The Joy of Jaboticaba This Striking Tree Bears Grape-Like Delights by Beth Davis F


rank DeNardis is on a mission to educate and inform Southwest Floridians about the joys of grow- ing tropical fruit in their own backyard. His 1.25-acre property in North Naples boasts more than 80 organically grown tropical fruit trees, including avocado, papaya, mango, banana, lemon and starfruit. He and his wife Mary not only enjoy the fruits of their labor, but also are happy to share their bounty with visitors.


What began as a hobby nearly 20 years ago has turned into a full-fledged business. DeNardis also holds a whole- sale license to sell potted trees. “If someone is looking for a certain variety and I don’t have it, I can usually get it for him or her,” he says.


One fruit tree that DeNardis is par- ticularly excited about is the jaboticaba, also called the Brazilian grape tree. Na- tive to Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay,


the jaboticaba is a striking variety, with flowers and fruit that grow right on the branches, sometimes covering the entire tree. The deep purple fruit, almost black in color, is similar in taste and texture to grapes, but with a thicker skin; its white pulp is sweet, aromatic and rich, with a soft, gelatinous texture. The fruit can


be eaten fresh or made into jelly, jam, juice or wine. Both fruit and juice are well preserved by freezing. According to Charles Boning,


author of Florida’s Best Fruiting Plants, the jaboticaba is a small evergreen tree, averaging 15 to 20 inches in height in Florida. “As the tree matures, the trunk and major branches take on a gnarled, ancient appearance,” he notes. Jaboticabas can be planted singly or established as a hedge, with six feet between the centers of the trees. Boning explains that when planted as a hedge, trimming the foliage does not signifi- cantly reduce production, because the fruit grows on older, interior wood. Slow-growing, jaboticaba seed- lings usually require nine to 10 years before they bear fruit. Those sold by DeNardis are eight to nine years old, so buyers don’t have to wait quite so long to enjoy the tree’s deep purple delights.


46 Collier/Lee Counties


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