Acai is one of many types of palm trees that grow in South and Central America. In times past, the tree was used predominantly for its leaves and hearts of palm. The acai berry isn't actually a berry at all but a drupe. A drupe is a fruit that has a large seed covered by a pulpy layer, similar to a date. In the past few years the popularity of the acai berry fruit has increased exponentially. Often cited as some sort of miracle cure for ailments ranging from cancer to fertility, it seems that nothing is too difficult for this little fruit to treat. As with any other poorly backed claims, you, as the consumer, must evaluate the claims rationally.