Burmese Grape Plant (Baccaurea ramiflora) – Growth, Care & Fertiliser Guide

The Burmese grape plant, scientifically known as Baccaurea ramiflora, is a rare and exotic tropical fruit tree that produces clusters of small, grape-like fruits directly on its trunk and large branches. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of India, this tree is now attracting interest among rare fruit collectors and tropical gardeners in Australia.

The Burmese grape tree can grow 10–25 metres tall in its natural habitat, but in cultivation and home gardens it is often maintained at 4–8 metres through pruning. Its canopy is dense with bright green leaves, providing ornamental value even when not in fruit. During spring and early summer, the tree produces small yellowish-green flowers, followed by clusters of round fruits that ripen to shades of yellow, red, or purple depending on the variety.

The fruits are tangy-sweet with a flavour reminiscent of a mix between lychee and grape. In many regions, they are eaten fresh, juiced, or made into jams and wines. Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and beneficial plant compounds, Burmese grapes also have traditional medicinal uses in their native regions.

Climate & Soil Requirements: Burmese grape plants thrive in warm, humid tropical or subtropical conditions. They prefer well-draining, fertile loam enriched with organic matter. In Australia, they are best suited to coastal Queensland and Northern NSW, but they can be grown in large containers in cooler regions if protected from frost. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–6.5) for optimal growth.

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How to Care for and Fertilise a Burmese Grape Plant

Burmese grape trees are relatively low-maintenance once established but require careful attention during the first 2–3 years to ensure strong root development and healthy growth.

Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Young trees may benefit from temporary shading in extremely hot conditions to prevent leaf burn.
Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. Deep watering 2–3 times a week is ideal during dry spells. Avoid prolonged waterlogging as it can cause root rot.
Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch around the root zone to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch 5–10 cm away from the trunk to avoid fungal problems.
Pruning: Light pruning after fruiting helps maintain an open canopy and encourages better airflow, which reduces the risk of fungal issues in humid climates.

Fertilisation Schedule:

Spring: Apply a balanced water-soluble NPK fertiliser to stimulate new growth and flowering.
Summer: Continue with monthly applications to support fruit set and development.
Autumn: Reduce fertilisation to every 6–8 weeks to maintain tree health without forcing excessive soft growth.
Winter: Minimal feeding is required during the semi-dormant phase; a light dose of potassium can strengthen the tree for the next flowering season.

Like many tropical fruit trees, Burmese grapes respond well to micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Foliar sprays during active growth can help correct minor deficiencies and improve overall leaf colour and fruit production.

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Harvesting, Common Issues, and Recommended Fertiliser

Burmese grapes typically take 5–7 years to begin fruiting from seed, but grafted trees can produce in 2–3 years. The fruit forms in clusters directly on the trunk and inner branches, similar to the jaboticaba tree. Harvest fruits when they are fully coloured and slightly soft to the touch for peak flavour.

Common Problems:

Slow or stunted growth: Often due to poor soil fertility or lack of watering during dry periods.
Fruit drop: Can be caused by irregular watering or insufficient nutrients during the fruiting phase.
Yellowing leaves: Indicates a possible iron or magnesium deficiency, especially in alkaline soils.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Burmese grapes be grown in pots?
Yes, dwarf or young trees grow well in 50–100 L containers with rich, free-draining soil. Regular feeding and watering are essential.

2. How long until a Burmese grape tree fruits?
Seed-grown trees can take 5–7 years, while grafted or air-layered plants may fruit in 2–3 years under optimal care.

3. Are Burmese grapes frost-tolerant?
No, they are strictly tropical to subtropical and need protection from frost or cold winds.

Recommended Fertiliser

For strong growth and reliable fruiting, feed with CompleteGrow’s NPK 20-20-20 All Purpose Liquid Fertiliser. This balanced formula supports leafy growth, flowering, and fruit development, making it perfect for exotic tropical fruit trees like the Burmese grape.