12/05/2026
What is a cauliflory?
Did you know that the cacao tree (theobroma cacao) is an example of cauliflory? If you're wondering what that means, keep reading to find out!
Cacao is a type of tree that produces flowers and fruits directly on its main trunk and older branches, rather than from new growth at the tips of its branches (which is how most of the fruit you eat grows). This fascinating growth habit is called cauliflory.
In cauliflorous trees, flowers bloom and fruits form along the main trunk and branches, often near the ground. This unique trait is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation that makes the fruits easier for ground-dwelling animals, like rodents and primates, to access and help spread the seeds.