Fruit or Bowl (ThursdayTreeLove)

Kamamdalu, Beggars Bowl are just 2 of the common names of this tree of the Bignoniaceae family. Quite self explanatory I think! Calabash is yet another name this tree is known by.

The common names suggests that the fruit shell continues to be useful even after its pulp is consumed. Very few plants can boast that….coconut is one. Can you think of another?

This tree is Crescentia cujete and is seen around Pune mostly as a planted tree. It doesn’t grow very tall and bears flowers directly on its trunk. (This is referred to as Cauliflory. Jackfruit grows in this manner.) The large fruit seem too heavy for its stalk but it does a good job!! The evergreen species is originally from South America yet seems to be happy in our country!

Flowers!

Here is You Tube video of the same tree .. I have added this video as it gives a nice perspective of the plant and fruit.

Have you seen this Fruit-Bowl?

I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove blog hop. Do head over to see trees from around the world. Better still, join in!

13 Replies to “Fruit or Bowl (ThursdayTreeLove)”

  1. No, still another tree that will not grow where I live, a reason why I enjoy these posts. Interesting flower on the tree, too – it may grow in our Southern state of Florida but if so, I’ve not been there when it blooms.

  2. Such a beautiful one, Archana. I have not seen it, but learning about its existence has made me feel amazing. I will observe more from now on to relish in the beauty of nature.

  3. Something new for me as well. I was checking with my husband if he has seen it and he does and he said fruit’s shell will be too hard. Next time I visit our native, I should see it. But is it eatable?

    1. I am not sure if this is eatable by humans.. though some medicinal value of the pulp is mentioned on the Flowers of India website. Hope you can spot them somewhere.. Thanks for stopping by Shilpa! 🙂

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