Little known outside of its native region of Brazil, jaboticaba fruit trees are members of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. They are very interesting trees in that they bear fruit on old growth trunks and branches, making the tree look much like it's covered with purple cysts. Its flowers are a subtle white, resulting in dark, cherry-like fruit that can be eaten right off the tree or made into preserves or wine. Fruit may be borne either singly or in dense clusters and is initially green, becoming dark purple to almost black when ripe and approximately one in. in diameter. The edible berry is composed of a whitish, jelly-like pulp containing 1 to 4 flat, oval seeds. The fruit matures rapidly, usually within 20-25 days from flowering. The berry has been described as being much like a Muscadine grape, except the seed similarity and tastes both slightly acidic and faintly spicy. The tree flowers intermittently throughout the year and is an evergreen, often used as a specimen tree, edible fruit tree, shrub, hedge or even as a bonsai. A slow growing tree, jaboticaba requires medium to high sun exposure and will thrive in a wide range of soil mediums. In high pH soils, however, additional fertilization should be applied. In general, feed the tree 3-times a year with a complete fertilizer. Additional jaboticaba tree care may be needed for iron deficiencies. In this case, a chelated iron can be applied.