This shrub or small tree from Brazil has an unusual means of bearing its fruit. The grape-sized, dark bluish-purple-black fruit are borne directly on the trunk or larger branches. This slow-growing plant takes 8 to 10 years to produce fruit unless it is a grafted tree, which reduces the period. Fully grown, the tree bears several crops per year. The fruit is worth the wait, being juicy, grape-like in appearance and taste. It is used in jelly, or as a fine wine, or eaten out of hand. It can withstand temperatures of 26 degrees F. Propagated by seed or grafting. Air layers have rarely been successful.

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