Devil Fruits After Owner Dies

When a Devil Fruit user dies, their ability is reborn into another fruit of the same kind. Instead of growing from a plant, the ability simply regenerates inside another fruit, as seen when Smiley "died" and the Sara Sara no Mi, Model: Axolotl transplanted itself into a nearby apple. Another characteristic of a Devil Fruit's growth is that the stem becomes noticeably curlier than it was when the fruit was not endowed with the ability. In the anime, it was also shown to change its color. 

The Fruits shown after their possessors' death

• Mera Mera no Mi: Deceased possessor: Portgas D. Ace; in Doflamingo's possession.
• Sara Sara no Mi, Model: Axolotl: Deceased possessor: Smiley; currently free.