 Plinia glomerata, Myrciaria glazioviana, Eugenia cabelluda, Eugenia
tomentosa, Myrciaria glomerata, Paramyrciaria glomerata
Family: Myrtaceae
Cabelluda, Yellow Jaboticaba, Cabeludinha
Origin: Brazil
large shrub 5-10 ft, small tree 10-20 ft, full sun, semi-shade, regular
water, white/off-white flowers, fragrant, edible, subtropical, cold
hardy at least to 30s F
Note: the following latin synonyms for Cabelluda - Eugenia
cabelluda, Eugenia tomentosa, Myrciaria glomerata, Paramyrciaria
glomerata - may be taxonomically incorrect, although in some sources
excepted. Refer to pictures for better identification of this plant.
Cabelluda is a large shrub or small tree, 10-20 feet in height,
with multiple thin trunks, very handsome and of value as an
ornamental plant. The young stems and leaves are pubescent. Small
white flowers are perfect and occur in axillary clusters. Fruits are
about 1 inch in diameter, round, yellow when fully ripe, pubescent,
with one or two seeds. Cabelluda fruits are delicious. They resemble
large gooseberries in appearance and are sweet and aromatic, with a
flavor similar to apricot. These are eaten fresh, and can also be
used for juices and jams. The fruits are very nutritive and rich in
vitamins. Fruiting occurs in 2-3 years, when the plant is hardly 3-4
feet tall.
Cabelluda grows best in moist, fertile soils, and fruits well in
full sun as well as partial shade. As a tropical tree, it is fairly
cold tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as upper 20's
for a short period. Soft young leaves and twigs may get some cold
damage, however even if severely damaged, in Spring the plant
readily grows back from the roots.
Cabelluda is rare in plant collections, however it is popular in
cultivation around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where its fruit ripen in
October-November. |
