This is a tree species originating from South America, and has been imported as an extremely rare ornamental plant in Asian countries.

Grapevines are a type of climbing plant that bear fruit in clusters and are grown quite extensively in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam. However, they have a special “sibling” originating from the Americas called the Jabuticaba Grapevine.

The Jabuticaba Grapevine is unique because its fruits grow directly on the trunk

The flowering and fruiting of plants like cocoa, durian, and jackfruit directly on the trunk may no longer be unfamiliar to us, but the fact that grapes bear fruit only on the trunk may surprise many people.

Moreover, this grapevine is not a climbing plant but a long-standing woody plant, with a trunk diameter ranging from 10 to 30 cm and can grow up to 6 meters tall, branching out into many high-reaching branches.

The Jabuticaba Grapevine, scientifically known as Plinia cauliflora, belongs to the Myrtaceae family and was first described by (Mart.) Kausel in 1956.

They thrive in hot and humid places with abundant rainfall in the Americas, especially in South American countries such as Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.

Therefore, in tropical countries like Vietnam, they are imported as rare and valuable ornamental plants that only the wealthiest can afford.

It takes about 8 to 9 years for a grapevine to mature and bear fruit. The older the grapevine, the more fruit it produces.

Some useful applications of the Jabuticaba Grapevine include:

During the flowering season, small clusters of white flowers will grow all over the trunk and branches of the tree, and then gradually develop into large fruit until they are the size of plums. The fruit starts out green, then turns pink, and finally purple when ripe.

At this point, we can pick and eat them immediately. The flavor of the fruit is also very unique, with a grape-like taste, sweetness, and lots of juice. In addition to being eaten as a fruit, people also make jam or ferment the fruit to make wine.

When dried, the fruit can be used to treat asthma or diarrhea, and many scientists are researching its potential in cancer treatment.

The reason this plant bears fruit directly on the trunk is thought to be a defense mechanism against fruit-eating pests that might climb the tree. The smooth and glossy texture of the fruit inhibits even the most adept climbers.

Source: Kuriositas.com