Calabash tree facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calabash tree |
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| Crescentia cujete | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Clade: | Crescentiina |
| Clade: | Tabebuia alliance |
| Tribe: | Crescentieae |
| Genus: | Crescentia L. |
| Species | |
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The calabash tree (also called Crescentia, huingo, krabasi, or kalebas) is a fascinating plant. It belongs to a group of six different types of flowering plants. These trees are found in warm areas like southern North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.
Calabash trees are usually medium-sized. They can grow up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) tall. One of the most interesting things about them is their fruit. The trees produce large, round fruits. These fruits can be up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) across. They have a thin, very hard shell and soft pulp inside.
Contents
About the Calabash Tree
What is a Calabash Tree?
The calabash tree is part of the plant family called Bignoniaceae. This family includes many beautiful flowering trees and vines. The Crescentia group, or genus, is special because of its unique fruits. These trees are well-known in the tropical regions where they grow naturally.
Where Do Calabash Trees Grow?
You can find calabash trees in many warm parts of the world. They are native to places like Mexico, the islands of the Caribbean, and countries in Central and South America. They thrive in sunny, tropical climates. This is why they are often seen in gardens and landscapes in these regions.
Amazing Uses of the Fruit
The fruit of the calabash tree is very useful. People have used it for many purposes for hundreds of years. The hard shell of the fruit is especially popular.
Traditional Containers and Tools
Once the soft pulp is removed, the hard shell becomes a strong, natural container. People use these shells to make all sorts of things.
- They can be used as bowls for eating.
- They make great scoops for water or food.
- Some people turn them into cups for drinking.
- They are also crafted into musical instruments, like maracas or drums.
- In some places, they are even used as decorative items.
Traditional Medicine
In some cultures, the soft pulp inside the fruit has been used in traditional medicine. It is sometimes used to help with breathing problems. This shows how different parts of the calabash tree can be helpful to people.
Types of Calabash Trees
There are six main types, or species, of Crescentia trees. Each one is a little different, but they all share the common features of the calabash tree.
- Crescentia alata
- Crescentia cujete
- Crescentia portoricensis
See also
In Spanish: Crescentia para niños
