Brazilian grapetree
StarPlinia cauliflora
Synonyms: Eugenia guapurium, Myrciaria cauliflora, Myrcia jaboticaba, Plinia jaboticaba, Myrciaria guapurium, Myrtus jaboticaba, Eugenia jaboticaba, Plinia peruviana, Guapurium peruvianum, Myrciaria peruviana, Myrciaria jaboticaba
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In traditional Brazilian folk medicine an astringent decoction of the sun-dried fruit skins of Plinia cauliflora is used for hemoptysis, asthma, diarrhea and dysentery and as a gargle for chronic tonsillitis, while the tannin-rich bark and leaves are taken against diarrhea and other complaints, including by communities of semi-arid Brazil (Pereira et al., comprehensive ethnopharmacological review, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019). The astringency reflects a high content of ellagitannins, gallic and ellagic acid and flavonoids; pharmacological studies confirm anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant and wound-healing activities of the epicarp and leaf extracts in animal models (Lamas et al., 2020; leaf wound-healing study, PMC12715980).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Plinia cauliflora, the jabuticaba or Brazilian grapetree, is a slow-growing evergreen tree of the myrtle family native to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, especially Minas Gerais and Sao Paulo. It reaches up to about 10 to 15 metres and has smooth, mottled, peeling bark in tones of grey and tan. The opposite leaves are small, leathery, lance-shaped and glossy, pinkish when young. Its most distinctive feature is cauliflory: small white, many-stamened flowers and then fruits are borne directly on the trunk and main branches. The fruit is a round, dark purple to almost black berry resembling a grape, with thick astringent skin enclosing sweet, gelatinous, translucent pulp and one to four seeds. It is widely cultivated for its prized fresh fruit.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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