Crescentia cujete

Calabash tree

A remarkable tropical tree, the calabash tree produces round or elongated fruits used in Antillean crafts and traditions.

Visible au jardin

Nos espèces

Bignoniaceae

Calabash tree

Nom scientifique :

Crescentia cujete

Nom vernaculaire :

Calabash tree

Carte d’identité
de l’espèce

The fruits of this tree, called calabashes, are used in local crafts. They are used in particular to make everyday objects.

Famille :

Bignoniaceae

Origine géographique :

Tropical America and the Caribbean

Taille :

4 to 10 meters

Floraison :

All year round with varying peaks

Habitat :

Tropical dry to humid areas and gardens

Classe :

Magnoliopsida

Ordre :

Lamiales

A very useful tree in tropical cultures

Calabash tree is a tropical tree known for its very hard nuts. Calabashes are often spherical but can also be slightly elongated. As for the Cocoa tree, the flowers appear directly on the trunk and large branches. This phenomenon is called cauliflory.

Once dried, calabashes are used to make crafts. They are used to create containers, decorative objects or lamps. This tree enjoys sunny areas and well-drained soils. It is one of the traditional useful plants of tropical regions.

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