JABOTICABA

also called jaboticabeira any of several trees of the genus Myrciaria, of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), notably M. cauliflora and M. jaboticaba, native to southeastern Brazil. The trees have been introduced to other warm regions, including western and southern North America. The name is also applied to the edible fruit of these trees. The trees do not differ greatly among the species; they are dome-shaped and grow to about 11 to 12 m (35 to 40 feet) tall. The leaves vary from 2 to 8 cm (0.75 to 3 inches) long. They are opposite and are oval or lance-shaped, and they have smooth margins and smooth surfaces. The small flowers, which grow singly or in clusters, bear four white petals. The glossy, maroon-purplish fruit is round or slightly flattened at the ends and contains one to four seeds. The pulp, which is juicy and tasty, is translucent white or tinged with rose.