Plinia longiacuminata Live Plant

Plinia longiacuminata – A Rare Pink Jaboticaba with Botanical Elegance and Exotic Taste

Botanical Name: Plinia longiacuminata
Common Name: Long Acuminate Jaboticaba, Pink Jaboticaba (Unofficial/Common Reference)

A Hidden Botanical Treasure from Bahia

Among the deep forest canopies and the rich biodiversity of Itacaré, Bahia, grows an elusive member of the Jaboticaba family — Plinia longiacuminata. This ultra-rare species has only recently caught the attention of tropical fruit enthusiasts. Its beauty, novelty, and under-canopy adaptability make it a truly exotic addition to any garden.

Unlike the common Jaboticabas, this species produces larger fruits, flushed with a rosy pink hue when ripe — a distinguishing feature that sets it apart within its genus. The tree stays relatively small, growing up to 6 or 7 meters in height, making it ideal for limited-space cultivation or pot culture in suitable climates.

Distinctive Characteristics of the Plant

• Growth Form: Medium-sized, slow-growing understory tree

• Leaves: Long and pointed, resembling those of Plinia rara

• Fruit Formation: Cauliflorous — fruits appear directly on the trunk

• Fruit Color: Ripens from green to rosy pink

• Fruit Size: Notably larger than common Jaboticabas

This combination of rare foliage, color, and growth habit adds ornamental value, making Plinia longiacuminata not only a fruit-bearing plant but also an aesthetic centerpiece for gardens.

Culinary Taste and Flavor Notes

The fruit offers a delightful experience:

• Texture: Smooth, with juicy translucent pulp

• Flavor: Sweet and aromatic, with a mild floral undertone

• Aftertaste: Clean and refreshing, with a very low acidity

• Use: Best consumed fresh, straight from the tree

It’s a true gourmet delight — a tropical fruit that captures the essence of rainforest sweetness. While it can also be used in artisanal preserves or drinks, its taste is best savored naturally, without heavy processing.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits

Though specific studies on this rare species are limited, being a member of the Jaboticaba family suggests several nutritional parallels:

• Rich in antioxidants – especially anthocyanins and polyphenols

• Good source of Vitamin C – boosts immunity and skin elasticity

• Contains dietary fiber – supports digestion and regulates metabolism

• Low glycemic index – safe for moderate consumption by diabetics

• Anti-inflammatory properties – traditionally used in folk remedies for sore throats and respiratory issues

Including this fruit in your seasonal diet can provide not just taste, but a powerful burst of nutrients with medicinal resonance.

Cultural and Regional Recognition

While still relatively unknown outside specialist collectors and botanical circles, this fruit is gaining attention in Brazil as a rare cultivar worthy of conservation. Unlike the widely cultivated Jaboticabas, Plinia longiacuminata is found only in select pockets of the Atlantic rainforest, and it holds immense value for biodiversity and ecological heritage.

Its pink fruit is celebrated as a symbol of tropical rarity and botanical prestige among enthusiasts in Brazil and parts of Central America. Small-scale growers in Costa Rica and Colombia have begun identifying similar relatives, though none match the elegance and size of the Bahia strain.

Cultivation and Growth Requirements

This plant is a rewarding challenge for growers willing to nurture it with care and patience:

• Soil: Prefers rich, well-draining soils with slight acidity

• Watering: Regular moisture required, but never waterlogged

• Light: Partial shade to filtered sun, mimicking its native understory habitat

• Temperature: Thrives in humid tropical to subtropical climates

• Fruiting Time: Usually begins producing in 5 to 7 years from seed

• Maintenance: Moderate; requires mulching and occasional pruning for airflow

It is best suited for gardeners who understand the slow but rewarding journey of Jaboticaba species.

How to Preserve and Enjoy the Fruit

Once harvested, the fruits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, though they are best eaten fresh. They can be:

• Frozen for smoothies or desserts

• Made into jellies or syrups for tropical-style spreads

• Fermented into wines or liqueurs for exotic blends

• Used fresh as a beautiful garnish in fruit platters or salads

Its vibrant pink skin makes it a visual and culinary delight in both traditional and modern recipes.

Why This Plant Belongs in Your Garden

• Rare and highly sought-after in collector circles

• Eye-catching fruits that grow directly on the trunk

• Beautiful foliage and compact form

• Offers nutritional value and exquisite flavor

• Supports conservation of threatened tropical species

Owning Plinia longiacuminata is not just about harvesting fruit — it’s about embracing a rare relationship with nature.

A Note on Availability

Due to its extremely limited propagation and increasing demand among rare fruit lovers, Plinia longiacuminata Live Plants are in short supply at Veliyath Gardens. We encourage early bookings for those interested in cultivating this one-of-a-kind treasure.

Veliyath Gardens: A Living Encyclopedia for Rare Fruit Enthusiasts

At Veliyath Gardens, we don’t just sell rare plants — we curate knowledge. Our initiative to document and share authentic information about exotic fruits, such as Plinia longiacuminata, is the first of its kind. We aim to empower fruit enthusiasts, botanists, and gardeners with botanical facts, cultural backgrounds, and best practices, all under one roof.

Final Word

If you’re ready to bring home a living rarity that reflects beauty, resilience, and taste, Plinia longiacuminata deserves a place in your collection. This fruit plant not only enhances your space but deepens your connection to nature’s undiscovered wonders.

Let your garden grow rare — one pink Jaboticaba at a time.