Myrciaria vexator (False Jaboticaba)

Myrciaria vexator

Botanical name: Myrciaria vexator

Common names: False Jaboticaba, Vexator, Blue Grape

Origin: South America

Also known as Vexator or Blue Grape, this charming relative of the Jaboticaba is as delightful to look at as it is to taste. It's a slow-growing, ornamental shrub or small tree that can reach up to 6 feet tall, with glossy leaves that add elegance to any garden. The plant produces dark purple, almost bluish fruits with thin, sweet flesh surrounding one or two large seeds, offering a flavor reminiscent of sweet grapes. Fruiting in late spring or early fall, these delicious fruits are typically enjoyed fresh or used in refreshing drinks.

Though lesser-known in cultivation, Blue Jaboticaba can rival or even surpass the traditional Jaboticaba in fruit quality, with a single bush capable of producing several thousand fruits. It's also tough enough to handle light frost once established, and its care needs are similar to those of Myrciaria cauliflora. Whether you grow it for its beauty or for its unique harvest, this plant is sure to charm with every season!