Couroupita guianensis, commonly called Cannonball tree, is a large upright tropical tree that grows to approximately 60 feet in height, with a thick, tough bark.
Its flowers are large salmon-red in colour, approximately 4 – 5 inches in diameter and are followed by large brown fruits resembling cannonballs. This is how, this tree got its common name – after the shape of the strange fruit.
The flowers are sweet smelling, attracting bats and birds and pollinating insects to feed on the nectar. The fruits, when mature, contain a pulp with an unpleasant odour. Sometimes the empty fruit cases are used as containers.
Several Cannonball trees can be seen along Brickdam looking quite sad and depressing. Parasitic vines have taken them over and the tops of the trees now have dry and bare dead branches. A little cleaning of the bird vine and trimming of the dead branches can restore these trees.
Outside the St Mary’s School on Brickam there is a fine specimen of a Cannonball tree which is over 100 years old.
Couroupita guianensis originated in the northern parts of South America. These trees can also be found in Barbados in Trafalgar Square, Bridgetown and in Port of Spain, Trinidad. They can be grown by seeds.
Until next week, happy gardening.
