Plinia phitrantha, (syn. Plinia aureana)
(White Jaboticaba)
Other Names: Jaboticaba Branca
Related To: Jaboticaba, Camu Camu, Surinam Cherry
Main Uses: Fruit; Ornamental
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Mature Height/Spread: To 20′, but usually kept smaller.
Flowering/Pollination: Small, white, cauliflorous, self-pollinating
Tolerance: Somewhat tolerant of drought, but prefers consistently moist soils.
Soil/Nutrition: Rich, slightly acidic, well-drained. Performs well on amended sandy soils but generally prefers more moisture. Grows very well in pure peat moss when grown in a container.
Light: Full sun.
Wind: Sturdy.
Temperature: Cold hardiness similar to purple jaboticabas; upper 20’s F.
Dangers: None.
Diseases Prone:
Bearing Age: This species is precocious, bearing smaller and sooner than purple jaboticaba. Generally, 4-5 years from seed.
Fruit: Small, pale whitish fruit, green when immature. Fruits generally contain a couple of large seeds. The fruit has a different taste than purple jaboticaba; its flesh is soft, silky, and sweet.
Fruits can also have a pale bronze tint. The name “white” jaboticaba may also refer to the growth of new leaves, which emerge whitish before turning salmon and then green.
History/Origin: The Atlantic Amazon rainforest was previously known only for cultivation but was first located in the wild in the forests of Rio Doce.
Species Observations: Larger leaves then purple jaboticabas.
This species is more tolerant of fertilization than it’s cousin—excellent response to animal manure composts and 11-2-9 fertilizers used in moderation.
Propagation: By seed, marcot (air-layer), or rooted branches.
Container Culture: Yes. Also a good, if unique, bonsai candidate.
Medicinal Uses: Unknown
Nutritional Information: Unknown
Preparation / Food: Fruits are eaten fresh.
