A bizarre jackfruit shaped like a foetus became an unlikely lucky charm for superstitious villagers in Thailand.

The exotic spiky fruit, curled in on itself like an embryo inside a womb, was found hanging from a tree behind a house in Prachin Buri province.

Footage shows residents offering incense, holy powder and prayers to the fruit, hoping to be blessed with good luck on August 24.

Homeowner La-aead, 75, said she had not planted the tree herself, but allowed it to grow behind her kitchen until it started bearing fruit.

She said: 'This is the second year it's been producing fruit. The flavour is better than from any other jackfruit I've eaten. It's fragrant and sweet.

'This year, the jackfruit is especially abundant, bearing more than 50 fruits. One is unique, unlike any other. People who come across it say it resembles a fetus. My neighbours heard the news and have been visiting to see it. They believe it will bring good fortune, given its unusual appearance.'