About Crescentia cujete L.
Crescentia cujete L., commonly known as the calabash tree, is a species of flowering plant. It is a medium-sized dicotyledonous tree belonging to the trumpet vine family Bignoniaceae, native to the Americas. It is the national tree of St. Lucia.
Cultivation Range
This species has been cultivated in Africa, Southeast Asia, Central America, South America, the West Indies, and extreme southern Florida, and it is also naturalized in India.
Common Name
The common name "calabash" is shared with the vine calabash, also called bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria).
Mature Size
Crescentia cujete typically grows up to 10 m (33 ft) tall.
Leaf Structure
It bears simple leaves that are either alternate or arranged in fascicles (clusters) on short shoots.
Fruit Dimensions
Its fruit usually reaches up to 30 cm (12 in) in length and 25 cm (9.8 in) in width; according to Bailey, the fruit may occasionally reach 45–50 cm (18–20 in) in width.
Cuban Habitat
In Cuba, this tree is found growing in both disturbed habitats and areas with poor drainage.
