Most trees bear their flowers and fruit towards the outer tips of branches or on new growth. But there are a few trees that can sprout flowers and fruit directly from mature trunks and branches. This trait is known as cauliflory (from the Latin words for “stem” + “flower”).
Most cauliflorous trees are native to the tropics. Examples include papaya, breadfruit, and that most vital of plants, cacao (the source of chocolate!) Some fig (Ficus) species also exhibit cauliflory. Despite its name, cauliflower doesn’t really count as cauliflorous since it’s not a woody plant.
Even if you can’t make it to the tropics you can still see at least one cauliflorous species. Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is one of few non-tropical tree species that can bear flowers and fruit (actually small papery seed pods) on its trunk and older branches as well as on newer growth. This small ornamental tree is native to much of the Eastern half of the U.S. Eastern redbud is not native to Minnesota but can be grown successfully through Zone 4 if plants from hardy seed strains are selected.
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