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Description
Couroupita Guianensis, commonly known as the Cannonball Tree, is a tropical tree that is native to Central and South America. It is named after the large, round fruit that resembles a cannonball and can weigh up to 10 kilograms. The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a wide, spreading canopy. The flowers of the Cannonball Tree are large, showy, and pink or white in color. They are often used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties. The wood of the tree is also highly valued for its durability and resistance to decay.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Lecythidaceae |
| Genus | Couroupita |
Appearance
The Cannonball Tree has large, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves can grow up to 50 centimeters long and are clustered at the ends of the branches. The flowers of the tree are large, showy, and pink or white in color. They can grow up to 15 centimeters in diameter and are composed of five petals. The fruit of the tree is round and can grow up to 25 centimeters in diameter. It is covered in a hard, woody shell and contains up to 100 seeds.
Care Guide
– Water: The Cannonball Tree requires regular watering during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the tree as it can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.- Soil: The Cannonball Tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand.- Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to thrive but can tolerate some shade.- Hardiness Zones: The Cannonball Tree is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cannonball Tree is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs. It is also prone to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Habitat
The Cannonball Tree is native to Central and South America, where it grows in tropical rainforests. It can be found in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil and a warm, humid climate.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the medicinal use of the flowers of the Cannonball Tree?
A: The flowers of the Cannonball Tree are used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and pain.
Q: Are the fruits of the Cannonball Tree edible?
A: The fruit of the Cannonball Tree is not considered edible due to its bitter and unpleasant taste.
Q: What is the lifespan of the Cannonball Tree?
A: The Cannonball Tree can live for over 100 years with proper care and maintenance.
Q: Is the wood of the Cannonball Tree used for any specific purposes?
A: Yes, the wood of the Cannonball Tree is highly valued for its durability and resistance to decay. It is often used to make furniture and other high-quality wood products.
Related Plants
– Bertholletia Excelsa (Brazil Nut Tree)- Lecythis Pisonis (Monkey Pot Tree)- Dipteryx Odorata (Tonka Bean Tree)
References
– “Couroupita Guianensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b492.- “Couroupita Guianensis.” The Plant List. Accessed August 18, 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-2732355.- “Cannonball Tree.” Smithsonian Gardens. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://gardens.si.edu/horticulture/gardening-guides/online-resources/cannonball-tree.html.
