White jaboticaba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White jaboticaba |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Plinia
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| Species: |
phitrantha
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| Synonyms | |
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The Plinia phitrantha is a special kind of plant. It's often called white jaboticaba (which is jaboticaba branca in Portuguese) or ibatinga. The name "ibatinga" comes from the Tupi-Guarani language and means "white fruit."
This plant belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which includes many well-known trees like eucalyptus. It's unique because it only grows in certain parts of Brazil.
About the White Jaboticaba
The white jaboticaba is a tree that can grow to be between 2 and 7 meters tall. That's about the height of a small house! It's known for its tasty fruit.
Its Special Fruit
The fruit of the Plinia phitrantha is round and small, usually between 10 and 25 millimeters across. That's about the size of a marble or a small grape. What makes it special is its color: it's green! Most fruits get their vibrant colors from natural pigments called anthocyanins. However, the white jaboticaba fruit doesn't have these pigments in its skin, which is why it stays green even when it's ripe and ready to eat.
Where It Grows
This tree is an endemic species. This means it only naturally grows in a specific area and nowhere else in the world. For the Plinia phitrantha, its home is in the southeastern part of Brazil. You can find it in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
Why It's Important
The Plinia phitrantha is important because it's a unique part of Brazil's natural environment. Its fruit is edible and enjoyed by people in the regions where it grows. Because it's endemic to a specific area, it's important to protect its habitat to ensure this special tree continues to thrive.
