Component of the volatile terpenes biosynthesis pathways (Probable). Sesquiterpene synthase that converts farnesyl diphosphate to (E)-beta-caryophyllene (By similarity). Involved in indirect defense by producing volatile signals attracting natural enemies of herbivores (By similarity). (2E,6E)-farnesyl diphosphate = (-)-(E)-beta-caryophyllene + diphosphate Binds 3 Mg(2+) or Mn(2+) ions per subunit. Secondary metabolite biosynthesis; terpenoid biosynthesis. Monomer. The Asp-Asp-Xaa-Xaa-Asp/Glu (DDXXD/E) motif is important for the catalytic activity, presumably through binding to Mg(2+). Belongs to the terpene synthase family.