Introduction
If you think apples, oranges, and bananas are the only fruits worth growing, think again! The world is full of bizarre, wacky fruit trees that look like they belong in a fantasy novel. These trees produce strange-looking, oddly flavored, and sometimes even alien-like fruits that will make your garden or orchard stand out from the rest.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the weirdest, most unusual fruit trees you can grow at home. From fruits that taste like dessert to those that smell like garlic, these trees are sure to amaze your taste buds and impress your friends. Let’s dive into the world of the most bizarre fruit trees you’ve probably never heard of!
1. Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) - The Tree That Grows Fruit on Its Trunk
Why It’s Wacky
- Instead of growing fruit on branches, this tree produces clusters of grape-like fruit directly on its trunk and main stems.
- It looks like a tree covered in purple marbles or giant warts!
What Does It Taste Like?
- Similar to grapes, but with a tropical twist and a hint of lychee.
- Often used in making jams, wines, and jellies.
How to Grow It
- Prefers warm, humid climates.
- Needs rich, well-draining soil and regular watering.
- Can be grown in large pots for patio gardens.
Why You Should Grow It
This tree is not only delicious but also a conversation starter—its unusual growth pattern will leave visitors in awe!
2. Buddha’s Hand (Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis) - The Fingered Citrus
Why It’s Wacky
- This citrus fruit looks like a gnarled hand with multiple fingers.
- It has no pulp or juice—just an aromatic rind.
What Does It Taste Like?
- The rind is sweet, floral, and lemony, but without the sourness of typical citrus.
- Often used for making candied peels, infused spirits, and aromatics.
How to Grow It
- Requires full sun and well-draining soil.
- Can be grown in pots indoors.
- Protect from frost.
Why You Should Grow It
It’s an ornamental, fragrant fruit that can be used for culinary and decorative purposes—plus, it looks like something out of a mythology book!
3. Ice Cream Bean Tree (Inga edulis) - A Dessert in a Pod!
Why It’s Wacky
- Produces long, fuzzy green pods that contain a sweet, cotton-candy-like pulp inside.
- The white, fluffy pulp literally tastes like vanilla ice cream!
What Does It Taste Like?
- Sweet, creamy, and vanilla-like, with a hint of marshmallow.
- Can be eaten fresh or blended into smoothies.
How to Grow It
- Prefers warm, tropical climates but can be grown in greenhouses.
- Fast-growing and needs lots of space.
Why You Should Grow It
It’s like having a natural dessert tree in your backyard—perfect for kids and anyone with a sweet tooth!
4. Peanut Butter Tree (Bunchosia argentea) - The Fruit That Tastes Like Peanut Butter
Why It’s Wacky
- Produces small, red-orange fruits that have a thick, pasty texture similar to peanut butter.
What Does It Taste Like?
- Nutty, peanut-butter-like flavor, but sweeter and slightly fruity.
- Great for making jams, spreads, or eating fresh.
How to Grow It
- Prefers warm, tropical climates.
- Can be grown in pots for patios.
- Requires moderate watering and full sun.
Why You Should Grow It
If you love peanut butter but want a natural, plant-based alternative, this tree is a must-have!
5. Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) - The Berry That Changes Flavors!
Why It’s Wacky
- Eating this tiny red berry causes sour foods (like lemons) to taste sweet for up to an hour!
- Contains a protein called miraculin, which alters taste perception.
What Does It Taste Like?
- Mildly sweet on its own, but its real magic happens when eaten before sour foods.
How to Grow It
- Needs acidic soil and warm, humid conditions.
- Can be grown indoors in pots with proper humidity.
Why You Should Grow It
It’s an interactive, fun fruit that can turn lemons into lemonade—without sugar!
6. Black Sapote (Diospyros digyna) - The Chocolate Pudding Fruit
Why It’s Wacky
- The ripened fruit looks and tastes like chocolate pudding, but it's completely natural!
What Does It Taste Like?
- Rich, chocolatey, and creamy, with a mild sweetness.
- Often eaten with cream or blended into smoothies.
How to Grow It
- Prefers tropical and subtropical climates.
- Needs well-draining soil and consistent watering.
Why You Should Grow It
A healthy, natural chocolate pudding substitute? Yes, please!
7. Durian (Durio zibethinus) - The King of Stinky Fruit
Why It’s Wacky
- Its pungent smell has been compared to rotten onions, gym socks, and even gasoline!
- Some places ban it in public spaces due to the odor.
What Does It Taste Like?
- Creamy, custard-like texture with a mix of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
- Described as tasting like onion ice cream mixed with almonds and caramel.
How to Grow It
- Needs tropical conditions with high humidity.
- Grows into a massive tree, so space is needed.
Why You Should Grow It
If you can handle the smell, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most unique and sought-after tropical fruits.
8. Blue Java Banana (Musa acuminata × balbisiana) - The Banana That Tastes Like Ice Cream
Why It’s Wacky
- The peel is blue, making it look completely unreal!
- The flesh has an ice-cream-like texture.
What Does It Taste Like?
- Sweet, creamy, and vanilla-flavored, similar to banana-flavored ice cream.
How to Grow It
- Needs warm temperatures and high humidity.
- Can be grown in large pots in cooler climates.
Why You Should Grow It
It’s a dream fruit for banana lovers and a natural alternative to ice cream!
9. Noni Fruit (Morinda citrifolia) - The Cheese Fruit
Why It’s Wacky
- Also called the "vomit fruit", it has an extremely strong, cheesy smell.
- Used traditionally for its medicinal benefits.
What Does It Taste Like?
- Bitter and pungent, with hints of overripe cheese and garlic.
How to Grow It
- Thrives in hot, humid climates.
- Grows quickly and requires little maintenance.
Why You Should Grow It
If you’re interested in natural medicine, noni is a powerhouse of antioxidants and nutrients.
10. Monstera Deliciosa - The Swiss Cheese Plant That Grows Edible Fruit
Why It’s Wacky
- A common houseplant that produces a fruit tasting like pineapple-banana candy.
- The fruit takes a year to ripen and is toxic when unripe!
What Does It Taste Like?
- A blend of banana, pineapple, and mango, with a tropical sweetness.
How to Grow It
- Can be grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.
- Requires high humidity and indirect light.
Why You Should Grow It
You get both an ornamental houseplant and a delicious tropical fruit in one!
Conclusion
These 10 wacky fruit trees prove that nature is full of surprises! Whether you want a tree that grows fruit on its trunk, one that produces vanilla ice cream–like pods, or even a fruit that changes the way you taste food, there’s something truly unique for every adventurous gardener.
Which one are you most excited to grow? 🌱🍉🍌
1 comment
Is there a phone number to call and speak to someone??