Trees That Bloom on Their Trunks: An Unusual and Spectacular Sight

While most trees typically produce flowers and fruits from their terminal shoots and branches, there are a number of species that defy this norm. These unique trees, called cauliflorous, can produce flowers and fruits directly on their trunks and thick branches, creating a visually stunning sight. In this article, we will explore some of the most fascinating examples of these cauliflorous trees, focusing on the jaboticaba and the cannonball tree.

The Jaboticaba: A Fascinating Brazilian Grape Tree

One of the most well-known examples of a cauliflorous tree is the Jaboticaba, also known as the Brazilian Grape Tree (Myrciaria cauliflora). This tree is native to Brazil, where it is widely cultivated for its sweet, grape-like fruits that develop directly on the trunk and thick branches. The tree typically reaches a height of 10-15 meters and has smooth, dark green bark.

The Jaboticaba tree is particularly unique because it produces white flower clusters that develop on the tree's bark before budding into small, bluish-black fruits. These fruits grow in clusters directly on the trunk and branches, creating a remarkable spectacle during the fruiting season. The fruits are covered in a thin, edible skin and have a tart, wine-like flavor, making them a popular snack in Brazil.

The Cannonball Tree: A Majestic and Colorful Display

Another remarkable example of a cauliflorous tree is the Cannonball Tree (Couratari guanensis), also known by its common name Phyllanthus nicaraguensis. This tropical tree is native to Central and South America and is renowned for its large, globular fruits that grow directly on the trunk and branches. The Cannonball Tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has large, glossy leaves.

During the fruiting season, which occurs in the late summer and autumn, the tree is covered in clusters of small white flowers that resemble 3-4 inch-diameter cannonballs, hence the common name. These flowers transform into round, hard fruits that are green and turn yellow when ripe. The fruits are enclosed in a thick, hard skin that may be difficult to penetrate, making them less accessible for people to consume. However, the flowers themselves are often used in perfumes and the trees are sometimes valued for their ornamental value in landscapes.

Other Cauliflorous Trees

In addition to the Jaboticaba and Cannonball Tree, there are other examples of cauliflorous trees that produce flowers and fruits on their trunks and thick branches. Some of these include:

Ficus – The fig tree is known for its unique ability to produce flowers in the cavities of its fruits, which grow directly on the trunk and branches. These flowers typically bloom during the rainy season and are followed by the development of the characteristic fig fruits. Modus – This tree, native to the tropical regions of Africa, produces clusters of white flowers directly on its trunk and branches, followed by small, yellow fruits that are often used in traditional medicine and kitchen preparations. Artocarpus – This genus includes a variety of tropical trees that produce flowers and fruits on their trunks and branches, including the Artocarpus procumbens, which has large, round fruits that grow in clusters and the Artocarpus integer, which produces small, hard fruits that ripen to a light brown color.

Conclusion

The world of cauliflorous trees is full of wonders and surprises. From the sweet Jaboticaba of Brazil to the Cannonball Tree of Central and South America, these trees provide an unusual and eye-catching display that is worth exploring and appreciating. Whether for their fruit production, ornamental value, or scientific interest, cauliflorous trees are a fascinating subject for those interested in botany and horticulture. The next time you visit a botanical garden or tropical landscape, keep an eye out for these unique and spectacular trees.