Overview

Introducing the extraordinary jaboticaba plinia phitrantha ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ live plant, a true gem for any tropical fruit enthusiast or ornamental garden collector. This unique variety is a special selection of Plinia Phitrantha, renowned for its superior qualities and delicious, sweet fruits. Originating from Brazil and named after its selector, Otto Andersen, this particular jaboticaba offers a faster fruiting time, often bearing fruit in just 4-5 years, significantly quicker than the typical 6-8 years for other varieties. As a live plant, it arrives as a 2-5 inch tall starter, ready to be nurtured into a flourishing fruit-bearing tree. Its ornamental value is high, featuring larger foliage than common Sabara varieties, with deep green leaves that mature to a rich hue and new growth emerging in a striking deep wine red, making it a visually appealing addition to your landscape.

This rare fruit tree is highly sought after by collectors and growers alike due to its early fruiting and exceptional fruit quality. The tree is known to produce multiple crops throughout the year, sometimes yielding 3-4 harvests or more, providing a continuous supply of fresh, delectable jaboticaba fruits. Its adaptability to various conditions, including some shade when young, makes it a rewarding plant for those looking to expand their tropical fruit collection. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting your journey with exotic plants, the ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ jaboticaba offers a unique opportunity to grow a productive and beautiful tree.

Key Benefits

The jaboticaba plinia phitrantha ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ offers numerous advantages for the home gardener, blending aesthetic appeal with bountiful harvests. This exceptional variety provides a rewarding growing experience with several distinct benefits:

• Early Fruit Production: Unlike many other jaboticaba varieties, this selection can begin fruiting in just 4-5 years, allowing you to enjoy fresh fruits much sooner. This makes it an ideal choice for those eager to taste their homegrown produce.
• Sweet & Delicious Fruits: Known for producing exceptionally sweet and flavorful fruits, perfect for fresh eating, jams, jellies, or juices. The taste is a delightful blend of grape and plum.
• Ornamental Appeal: Beyond its fruit, the tree itself is highly ornamental. Its large, deep green foliage and striking wine-red new growth add significant beauty to any garden or patio.
• Multiple Harvests Annually: This variety is a prolific producer, often yielding 3-4 crops or more per year, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh fruit for many months.
• Unique & Rare Variety: The ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ is a special selection, making it a unique and coveted addition to any collection of tropical fruit plant. It stands out from common jaboticaba types.
• Adaptable Growth: While preferring certain conditions, it shares a similar growth habit and care requirements to regular jaboticaba, making jaboticaba plant care familiar for many growers. It appreciates acidic soil and some shade when young.
• Potential for Container Growing: With proper care and pruning, this jaboticaba can be grown in large containers, making it suitable for patios or smaller spaces in appropriate climates.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your jaboticaba plinia phitrantha ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ live plant involves understanding its specific needs to ensure robust growth and abundant fruiting. When your rare fruit tree first arrives, it’s crucial to acclimate it gradually to its new environment. Avoid placing small plants in direct, intense sunlight immediately; instead, provide full shade for the first week or two, then slowly introduce it to more light. This helps prevent shock and leaf burn. A temperature range of 70-80°F (21-27°C) is ideal during this adjustment period. Once established, this tropical fruit plant will thrive under specific conditions.

For sunlight, young jaboticaba trees, especially those under 4-5 feet tall, appreciate some shade, ideally 30-50%, particularly in regions with intense summer heat (over 100°F). As they mature, they can tolerate more sun, but partial shade during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial. They are sensitive to cold, surviving brief exposures down to approximately 25-27°F (-3 to -4°C), but consistent temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause damage. Therefore, in cooler climates, consider overwintering indoors or providing significant cold protection. The tree thrives in acidic soil with good drainage. A well-draining potting mix or garden soil amended with organic matter to lower pH is recommended. Consistent moisture is key; do not let the soil dry out completely, but also avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will support healthy growth and fruit production. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants during the growing season.

Regarding jaboticaba plant care, proper pruning can help maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and improve air circulation, though it’s generally a slow-growing tree. Watch for common pests like aphids or scale insects and treat them promptly with organic pest control methods if necessary. Ensuring adequate humidity, especially in dry indoor environments, can also benefit the plant. By providing the right balance of light, water, soil, and temperature, your ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ jaboticaba will flourish, bringing both beauty and delicious fruits to your home.

Size & Details

You are purchasing one jaboticaba plinia phitrantha ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ live plant, typically 2-5 inches tall (pot height not included). This starter plant comes in a 2.5” square pot, providing a healthy root system ready for transplanting into a larger container or directly into the ground in suitable climates. The tree exhibits a growth habit similar to other jaboticaba varieties, eventually forming a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. Its foliage is notable for being larger than the common Sabara variety, displaying a deep green coloration upon maturity and a distinctive deep wine red when new leaves emerge, adding significant visual interest. This particular selection is celebrated for its ability to fruit much earlier than many other types, with harvests possible in 4-5 years.

This tropical fruit plant is grown organically, ensuring a healthy and vibrant start for your garden. While exact mature dimensions can vary based on growing conditions and pruning, jaboticaba trees typically reach heights of 10-20 feet in optimal environments, though they can be kept smaller with pruning for container growing. Expect a moderate growth rate. The plant will be shipped in its nursery pot, carefully packaged to ensure its safe arrival. This rare fruit tree is a valuable addition for collectors and those seeking an exotic, productive plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big will my jaboticaba plinia phitrantha plant get? A: Your starter plant will arrive 2-5 inches tall. With proper care, this jaboticaba plinia phitrantha can eventually grow into a small tree or large shrub, typically reaching 10-20 feet in height, though it can be maintained smaller with pruning.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This tropical fruit plant is best suited for outdoor planting in USDA zones where temperatures do not consistently drop below 25-27°F. In colder climates, it can be grown outdoors during warm months and brought indoors as a potted plant during winter.
• Q: How much sunlight does the ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ jaboticaba need? A: Young plants (under 4-5 ft) prefer partial shade (30-50%), especially in hot climates. Mature trees can tolerate more sun but may benefit from some afternoon shade in intense heat.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? Is it good for beginners? A: While it has specific needs like acidic soil and consistent moisture, jaboticaba plant care is similar to other tropical fruit trees. With attention to its light, watering, and temperature requirements, it can be a rewarding plant for enthusiastic beginners.
• Q: What condition will the plant arrive in? A: Your rare fruit tree will arrive as a healthy 2-5 inch tall starter plant in a 2.5” square pot, carefully packaged to minimize stress during shipping.
• Q: How long until this jaboticaba tree starts producing fruit? A: The ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ variety is known for early fruiting, often producing its first sweet, delicious fruits in 4-5 years, which is significantly faster than many other jaboticaba types.
• Q: What type of soil is best for this jaboticaba? A: This plant thrives in acidic, well-draining soil. Amending your soil with organic matter can help achieve the ideal conditions.
• Q: How often should I water my jaboticaba? A: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry slightly before watering again. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods.
• Q: Will this jaboticaba plinia phitrantha survive winter in my zone? A: It can tolerate brief drops to 25-27°F (-3 to -4°C) but is best grown in warmer climates (USDA zones 9-11). In colder zones, it must be protected from frost or brought indoors.
• Q: What makes the ‘Otto Andersen Branca Vinho’ a special variety? A: It’s a special selection known for its early fruiting, large ornamental foliage with deep wine-red new growth, and consistently sweet, delicious fruits, making it a highly desirable and rare fruit tree.