Cannonball Tree
Couroupita guianensis
Name
| Marathi: | कैलासपती |
Biological Classification
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Spermatophyta |
| Sub-Division: | Angiospermae |
| Class: | Dicotyledonae |
| Sub-Class: | Polypetalae |
| Series: | Calyciflorae |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Sub-Family: | -- |
| Genus: | Couroupita |
| Species: | guianensis |
Advantages
It is cultivated in gardens for its showy, fragrant flowers and big fruits.
Interesting Facts
- The common name "Kailashpati" refers to the structure of flowers which resemble the appearance of "Shiva Lingam" with presence of a "Naga"(Snake) hood, which is associated with Mount Kailash.
- The fruits are remarkably large, about the size of a man's head, resembling a cannonball, so it is also called as Cannonball tree.
Description
- Its a large tree with alternate leaves and curiously-formed flowers which are borne on the upper trunk and main branches.
- The flowering season is generally from April to July.
- The fruits bear a pungent, bad odour.
- Couroupita guianensis Aubl.
