The botanical name is Couroupita guianensis. But because of the unique shape of the fruit (like a cannon ball) the tree is also commonly known as the cannon ball tree. I suspect it is also because the name is easier to remember.
Couroupita guianensis is common in the tropics. They are planted as an ornamental in parks and road sides for its beautiful, scented flowers, and as a botanical specimen for its interesting fruit.
The flowers are strongly scented. They are typically brightly colored, with the petals ranging from shades of pink and red near the bases to yellowish toward the tips. Sometimes flowers cover the whole tree trunk when they bloom. Bats and bees are attracted by the strong fragrance of the flowers and they are responsible for their pollination.
The fruits are brownish in colour and shaped like cannon balls. They will drop to the ground when they are ripe. It is not a good idea to loiter under the tree in case one should fall from the tree and drop on your head. An incident like that could cause a lot of damage to the person.
The cannon ball tree has many uses. The fruits are fed to livestock such as pigs and domestic fowl. The shells of the fruits are hard and can be crafted into utensils or containers. The flowers have good smell which could be used to add scent in cosmetics and perfumes.
You can click on the picture for a better view.
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