The Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis Aubl.1775), so called because of its fruits, which look like brown cannon balls, is native to the rainforests of Central- and South America, but also found in India at least for about 3000 years. The tree grows up to a height of 25 meters. The extraordinary, highly fragrant Couroupita guianensis flowers, in Hindi called Shivalinga flowers, are often used as an offering to the Hindu god Shiva. In India, Thailand and other Buddhist countries the Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) is often planted at temple grounds. In opposition to the very pleasant scent of the flowers, fruits, which are edible, have a very unpleasant, foul smell. Bark, leaves and flowers are used in natural medicine, as it´s considered they have anti-bacterial, antiseptic and analgesic properties.

© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Cannonball Tree flower (Couroupita guianensis)
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

© Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Cannonball Tree flower (Couroupita guianensis)
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee