TopTropicals Plant Catalog

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Crescentia cujete Family: Bignoniaceae Calabash Tree, Krabasi, Kalebas, Huingo Origin: Mexico to Brazil including the Antilles A small evergreen tropical tree growing up to of 25' tall. This relative of the Sausage Tree can be immediately recognized by the large, round green fruit attached directly to the branches of the tree. It has a rough bark and simple leaves. Cauliflorus flowers appear directly from nodes on the trunk and branches. Blooms at night. Fruits develop directly from the main trunks and limbs after pollination by bats: they are large, up to 14" in diameter and globulose with a hard green woody shell. Inside there is a pulp that has medicinal applications. The flat seeds are small and embedded in the pulp. In Suriname's traditional medicine, the fruit pulp is used for respiratory problems (asthma). Fruits are used to make the Maraca. The pulp of the fruit contains hydrocyanic acid and is considered a purgative. Because of the durability of the shell after it has dried and the many different sized fruit found on different trees, the Calabash fruit is used to make containers for holding food or water. It is also commonly used in Tropical American folk medicine. The tree has some salt tolerance. Plant in frost free locations, has no tolerance for even a light frost. Calabash Tree makes a very interesting addition to any garden. It is also an excellent host for epiphytes; many species of bromeliads and orchids will thrive when attached to the branches and trunks. Link to this plant: http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/crescentia_cujete.htm

Crafted fruit