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Description
Crescentia Cujete, commonly known as the Calabash tree, is a tropical tree native to the Americas. It belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and is known for its unique fruit, which has a hard shell that can be used as a bowl or container.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Genus | Crescentia |
Appearance
The Calabash tree can grow up to 10-15 meters tall and has a rounded crown with a spread of up to 10 meters. It has large, glossy leaves that are up to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The fruit of the Calabash tree is a large, round or oval-shaped gourd that can grow up to 30 cm in diameter. The fruit is green when it is immature and turns yellow or brown when it is ripe.
Care Guide
Water: The Calabash tree requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure to water the tree deeply, but do not allow the soil to become waterlogged.
Fertilization: Fertilize the Calabash tree with a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season.
Soil: The Calabash tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight: The Calabash tree thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Hardiness Zones: The Calabash tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Calabash tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including mealybugs, scale insects, and root rot. Regular inspection and treatment with appropriate pesticides can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
The Calabash tree is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, including the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It prefers warm, humid climates and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the fruit of the Calabash tree be eaten?
A: While the fruit of the Calabash tree is not typically eaten, it can be used to make a variety of dishes and beverages.
Q: Can the Calabash tree grow indoors?
A: While the Calabash tree can be grown in a large container indoors, it may not thrive in this environment.
Q: How long does it take for the fruit of the Calabash tree to mature?
A: The fruit of the Calabash tree can take up to 10 months to mature.
Q: Is the Calabash tree easy to grow?
A: The Calabash tree can be challenging to grow, as it requires specific growing conditions and is susceptible to various pests and diseases.
Related Plants
- Crescentia alata
- Crescentia amazonica
- Crescentia cujete var. odorata
- Crescentia portoricensis
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Crescentia cujete. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d914
- University of Florida IFAS Extension. (2021). Calabash. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/fr370
- World Agroforestry. (n.d.). Crescentia cujete. Retrieved from https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/speciesprofile.php?Spid=1812
