The Cannonball Tree, scientifically known as Couroupita guianensis, is a large tropical tree native to the northern regions of South America, including the Amazon Rainforest. It is also commonly found in other tropical regions of the world, including India and Southeast Asia, where it has been introduced as an ornamental plant.
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The tree is known for its large, spherical fruit, which can grow up to 30 centimeters in diameter and weigh as much as 4 kilograms. The fruit has a hard, woody shell that contains up to 200 seeds surrounded by a soft, fibrous pulp.
The Cannonball Tree is also known for its large, showy flowers, which grow directly from the trunk and branches of the tree. The flowers are about 5 centimeters in diameter and have a strong, sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators such as bats and bees.
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The tree has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples in the Amazon region, and the fruit and seeds are also used in traditional medicine in other parts of the world. The tree is also highly valued for its timber, which is used for construction and furniture making.