You might think there’s something terribly wrong with this tree — but don’t worry, it’s absolutely fine! This is the Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora), also known as the Brazilian grape tree, and those weird growths are actually its fruit, which grows directly on its trunk and branches. It’s really tasty, too.
As the name suggests, the Brazillian grape tree grows mostly in Brazil; however, its range extends to Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
The tree is a slow-growing evergreen with fruit available throughout the entire year. It’s safe to eat the berries raw and many locals use them to make jam.
Its fruit, which resembles a grape in appearance, is dark purple and has thick skin with a gelatinous white pulp inside. The flavor of the Jabuticaba berries has been described as a combination of grape and lychee, with a slightly acidic tang.
