Navel Costada Jaboticaba - Plinia sp. Navel Costada

Introduction / General Information

The Navel Costada Jaboticaba (Plinia sp. ‘Navel Costada’) is an exceptionally rare and highly prized jaboticaba variety belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Revered among collectors and serious fruit enthusiasts, this cultivar stands out for its elegant wavy foliage, compact growth habit, and outstanding fruit quality.

Unlike common jaboticaba types, Navel Costada is valued not just for fruiting, but for its refined ornamental presence and superior sweetness. It is a slow-growing, long-lived plant that rewards patience with one of the finest-flavoured jaboticaba fruits known.

Fruit Description / Taste Profile

The fruits of Navel Costada are visually appealing and exceptionally palatable.

Fruits are round, smooth, and deep purple to nearly black when ripe

Flesh is translucent, juicy, and aromatic

Contains 1 to 3 small seeds per fruit

Pulp-to-seed ratio is excellent

Taste profile highlights:

Remarkably sweet with very low acidity

Clean, rich flavour with no bitterness

Pleasantly juicy texture

Considered one of the best-tasting jaboticaba varieties

The fruit is highly enjoyable when eaten fresh and is often described as “dessert-grade” among jaboticaba connoisseurs.

Cultural / Traditional Significance

While Navel Costada itself is a rare selection, jaboticaba fruits have deep cultural roots in Brazil.

Traditionally consumed fresh directly from the tree

Used in homemade juices, wines, and fermented beverages

Associated with longevity and vitality in folk traditions

Often planted in family gardens as a legacy tree

Rare varieties like Navel Costada are now part of a global movement to conserve elite and heritage jaboticaba genetics.

Health Benefits & Nutritional Value

Navel Costada jaboticaba fruit is rich in bioactive compounds known for their health-supporting properties.

High in powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress

Anti-inflammatory compounds support overall wellness

Known to promote healthy, youthful skin

Supports lung function and respiratory health

Aids digestion and gut balance

Traditionally linked to cancer-preventive properties

Helps regulate heart health

Supports blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes

Beneficial in managing asthma-related conditions

The deep-coloured skin is especially rich in polyphenols, making the fruit nutritionally valuable even in small quantities.

Culinary Uses

Navel Costada jaboticaba is versatile, though often enjoyed in its purest form.

Eaten fresh directly from the plant

Used to prepare antioxidant-rich fresh juice

Added to smoothies and fruit blends

Processed into jams, jellies, and preserves

Fermented into artisanal wines and vinegars

Used in gourmet desserts and sauces

Due to its sweetness, it requires minimal added sugar in preparations.

Cultivation & Maintenance

This jaboticaba variety is well suited for tropical and subtropical regions and can be grown in the ground or large containers.

Growth Habit: Compact and slow-growing

Mature Height: Approximately 4 to 7 feet

Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic, organic-rich soil

Light: Full sun to partial shade

Watering: Regular and consistent moisture

Mulching: Highly beneficial to retain soil moisture

Pruning: Minimal, mainly for shape and airflow

Fruiting details:

Grown from seed, fruits in approximately 4 to 6 years

Blooming and consistent fruiting usually stabilise around 5 to 7 years

Maintenance Level: Moderate

Patience is essential, but the long-term rewards are exceptional.

Quick Facts

Common Name: Navel Costada Jaboticaba

Botanical Name: Plinia sp. ‘Navel Costada’

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin: Rare cultivated selection

Growth Habit: Compact, slow-growing

Mature Height: 4–7 feet

Fruiting Time: 5–7 years

Taste: Extremely sweet, excellent quality

Maintenance Requirement: Moderate

Environmental or Aesthetic Benefits

Wavy, glossy foliage adds ornamental value

Compact size suitable for small gardens and patios

Ideal for container gardening

Supports pollinators during flowering

Adds rarity and distinction to exotic fruit collections

The plant is as visually pleasing as it is productive.

Conclusion   :  Why Choose Exotica Grove

The Navel Costada Jaboticaba is not just a fruit plant—it is a collector’s treasure. With its refined sweetness, compact stature, and exceptional health benefits, it represents the pinnacle of jaboticaba cultivation. This is a plant chosen by those who appreciate rarity, patience, and superior quality.

At Exotica Grove and Exotica Signature, we specialise in sourcing and nurturing rare fruit plants that carry lasting value. Our Navel Costada Jaboticaba plants are carefully selected for authenticity and health, ensuring you receive a specimen worthy of long-term cultivation. By choosing Exotica Grove, you are investing in a living legacy—one that rewards you with beauty, wellness, and extraordinary fruit for decades to come.