Cheery tree - bright red bumps on leaf stems ?

[cruiserandmax]

We have two new cherry trees- a Bing, and a combination Van & Black Tartarian- both trees were just planted next to each other after flowering periods so there has been no pollination on either tree yet. Both trees seem healthy but also both show these tiny bright red lumps, often in pairs, on the stems below each leaf. I'm just curious as to what these are? Are these the spots where cherries would have grown had there been polination?

Thanks for looking!

 

[Chuck]

Completely normal. Those red bumps are a defense mechanism and when the tree is attacked by certain insects those red things exude something akin to a pheromone that attracts beneficial insects.

 

[Chuck]

I remembered this but forgot what they are called so I looked it up. They are called extrafloral nectaries or nectar glands. There are many fruit trees besides cherrys that have them including peaches and plums. Even cucumbers and squash have them. Some legumes have them too.

 

[cruiserandmax]

Very intersting! Thanks for the explanation (and extra research)!!