Hortiforum

General Info – Blue Grape, False Jaboticaba, Guapuru, Vexator

A relative of the Jaboticaba, the Blue Grape stands out as a graceful, ornamental tree adorned with weeping evergreen foliage and striking deep-purple fruits. The Cherry-like fruits, comparable in size to the more widely recognised Jaboticaba, boast a delicious Grape-like taste and gelatinous pulp. However, the seed-to-flesh ratio is less favorable than that of the Jaboticaba, and the skin is thicker. With their main harvest occurring in mid to late spring, Blue Grapes are ripe once they develop their full black colour and become slightly soft. The fruit should be enjoyed soon after picking, as it spoils quickly.
Unlike the Jaboticaba, Blue Grape’s fruiting is not cauliflorous, with white inflorescences covering branches instead. The native range of the Blue Grape spans tropical climates from Costa Rica to Venezuela, where it is predominantly cultivated for its ornamental appeal. Growing requirements align closely with those of the Jaboticaba, thriving in conditions with ample water and good drainage. Generally, Blue Grapes are hardier than Jaboticaba, reportedly tolerating temperatures as low as -2°C and having greater drought tolerance.
These trees reach a height of up to 5 metres, forming a dense shrub with opposite pairs of drooping green leaves, creating a compact and attractive appearance. Like Jaboticaba and other Myrtaceae, they feature an attractive light grey peeling bark. With its combination of ornamental beauty and delectable fruits, the Blue Grape proves to be an ideal addition to any tropical-subtropical garden.

Plant Profile/Properties