If you see these round black balls on a tree, don’t touch them: we’ll explain what they are.
Here’s one of the world’s most unusual trees: the jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora). Native to Brazil, it’s striking for its unique fruiting: the berries don’t grow on the branches, but directly on the trunk and thick branches.
This phenomenon, botanically called cauliflower, is extremely rare. Thanks to this tree, its bark appears to be covered in enormous black pellets.
Jaboticaba fruits have a grape-like flavor: juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic. They are eaten fresh, added to desserts, made into jams, and used to make aromatic wines or liqueurs.
In Brazil, these berries are considered a true national treasure.
Brazilians appreciate them not only for their flavor, but also for their health benefits: they are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and substances that strengthen the immune system and help fight inflammation.
However, they have one peculiarity: freshly picked berries have a very short shelf life, lasting only a few days. Therefore, it’s almost impossible to find them fresh outside their region of origin, which explains why jaboticaba is considered an exceptional delicacy.
If you come across this amazing tree, know that it poses no danger. On the contrary, it is a living wonder of nature, dazzling in its beauty and abundance.
However, it is important to remember that its unusual appearance can sometimes be deceiving, and an inexperienced observer might believe the tree is infected or damaged.
So be careful and know that you are not facing a threat, but a small miracle from Brazil.