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Description
Couroupita, also known as the Cannonball Tree, is a tropical evergreen tree native to South and Central America. It is widely popular for its fragrant flowers and large fruit that resembles a cannonball. The tree grows up to 35 meters in height and has a broad canopy. Couroupita is a sacred tree in Hinduism and is often planted near temples and shrines.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Lecythidaceae |
| Genus | Couroupita |
Appearance
The Couroupita has a straight and tall trunk with smooth gray bark. The leaves are large and glossy, measuring up to 60 cm in length. The flowers are fragrant and large, measuring up to 15 cm in diameter. They are bell-shaped and grow in clusters of up to 40 flowers. The fruit resembles a cannonball and can weigh up to 10 kg. It is brown in color and has a hard shell that contains up to 200 seeds.
Care Guide
Couroupita requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. Fertilization is recommended every 2-3 months using a balanced fertilizer. The tree needs full sun exposure to grow but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Couroupita is susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. It is also prone to attacks from caterpillars and beetles. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to keep the tree well-ventilated and to remove any infected leaves or branches.
Habitat
Couroupita is native to South and Central America, where it grows in tropical rainforests. It is commonly found near rivers and streams and prefers a humid environment. The tree is also cultivated in other tropical regions around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Couroupita be grown indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow Couroupita indoors, it requires a warm and humid environment with plenty of sunlight.
Q: How long does it take for the fruit to ripen?
A: The fruit takes approximately 10-12 months to ripen after flowering.
Q: Can Couroupita be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, various parts of the tree, including the bark and seeds, are used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Q: Is Couroupita endangered?
A: While Couroupita is not currently listed as endangered, it is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
Related Plants
– Lecythis pisonis- Bertholletia excelsa- Attalea speciosa- Astrocaryum murumuru
References
– “Couroupita guianensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=e397.- “Cannonball Tree.” Trees of Stanford & Environs, trees.stanford.edu/ENCYC/COUROU.htm.- “Couroupita guianensis.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, www.iucnredlist.org/species/31996/96811539.
