A fascinating and delicious fruit native to South America, the Cambuca combines a perfectly balanced, sub-acidic flavour with soft, succulent, and gelatinous pulp that has a smooth, melting texture. Its taste is often compared to a blend of Peach and Jaboticaba, or even a mix of Papaya and Mango. Some people find its flavour most similar to that of Jaboticaba, Grumichama, and Pitomba, but without any astringency or unpleasant resinous aftertaste. The fruits are significantly larger than the related Jaboticaba, with some reaching up to 6 cm in diameter. They have a bright orange-yellow colour and a thin, leathery skin. Each fruit contains a single seed, which can be easily separated, offering a good flesh-to-seed ratio for a fruit that remains largely uncultivated. Rich in antioxidants, Cambuca fruits are most commonly enjoyed fresh, but they can also be used to make preserves (such as jams and jellies), juices, or ice creams, providing both a delightful flavour and a vibrant colour. This rare Plinia fruit is a perfect addition for collectors. Cambuca is native to the coastal rainforests of southeastern Brazil, where it thrives in tropical climates but can also adapt to subtropical conditions. It prefers the partial shade or filtered sunlight of a bright understory, similar to its native habitat. The plant thrives in rich, deep loam soil, with it being important for soils to have a high iron content. Cambuca requires ample watering and, while it can tolerate short dry periods, it is best kept well-watered. It is a slow-growing plant, particularly in cooler climates. Although its cold tolerance is not well-documented, it may be worth trying in frost-free, warm temperate conditions. A member of the Myrtaceae family, the Cambuca is, as expected, a truly beautiful specimen. Like the more well-known Jaboticaba, the Cambuca produces its fruits along the main stems and branches. While the display may not be as spectacular, it remains ornamental and eye-catching. The tree forms a shapely, dense, pyramidal crown. Similar to the Jaboticaba, its trunk features ornamental greyish-brown peeling bark. Mature trees can grow up to 8 metres tall, but they can also be maintained at a smaller height and will bear fruit when grown in a large pot, given time.
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