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common calabash tree

Scientific Name: Crescentia cujete

Family: Bignoniaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Calabash Tree (Crescentia cujete)

The Calabash Tree (Crescentia cujete) is a fascinating plant with a rich history and diverse uses. Its distinctive fruit and cultural significance make it a noteworthy species in tropical regions.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces fruit, which could present a choking hazard for some animals if ingested.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces fruit, which could present a choking hazard for young children if ingested.

Quirky Facts

  • The Calabash Tree shares its common name with the vine calabash or bottle gourd, although they are different plants.
  • The Calabash Tree was important to the ancient Maya due to its mention in the Popal Vuh.
  • In South Florida, ants seem to be common pollinators of the Calabash Tree.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Crescentia cujete L.
  • Common Names: Calabash Tree, Krabasi, Kalebas, Huingo, Beggar's Bowl, Gd Tree
  • Family: Bignoniaceae (Jacaranda Family or Bignonia family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
  • Subkingdom: Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
  • Synonyms: Crescentia acuminata Kunth, Crescentia arborea Raf., Crescentia cuneifolia Gardn.
  • Symbol: CRCU
  • Group: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Central and South America, the West Indies, and extreme southern Florida.
  • Widely cultivated throughout the New World tropics since prehistoric times.
  • Exotic to Biak (New Guinea).

Morphological Characteristics

  • Small evergreen tropical tree, typically growing to 6 to 12 metres (20 to 40 feet) tall.
  • Growth Habit: Shrub Tree
  • Duration: Perennial

Ecological Role

  • Pollination can be facilitated by ants.

Additional Information

  • The Calabash Tree is the national tree of St.
  • It is widely cultivated as an ornamental shade or specimen tree in tropical areas.
  • Found in the National Orchid Gardens in Singapore.
  • The fruit has traditional uses and cultural significance.