Cannon Ball

Cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis), is a large deciduous tropical, tall, soft-wooded tree, of the family Lecythidaceae. It is native to the rain-forests of Central and South America but cultivated in many other region of the world (because of its beautiful, fragrant flowers and large, interesting fruits) including Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Sri Lanka.

This tree can reaches a height of up to 35 meters (110 ft). The leaves, which occur in clusters at the ends of branches, are usually 8 to 31 centimeters (3 to 12 inches) long, but can reach lengths of up to 57 centimeters (22 inches). The flowers are born in racemes up to 80 centimeters (31 inches) long. Some trees flower profusely until the entire trunk is covered with racemes. The flowers are strongly scented, and are especially fragrant at night and in the early morning. flowers are up to 6 centimeters (2.5 inches) in diameter, with six petals, and are typically brightly colored, with the petals ranging from shades of pink and red near the bases to yellowish toward the tips.
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