Common Calabash Tree
Crescentia cujete
- Native to:
- Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Is., Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Palau, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Southwest Caribbean, United States, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © paola292 (iNaturalist #36270204)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Bignoniaceae
- Genus:
- Crescentia
- Species:
- Crescentia cujete
- USDA Symbol:
- CRCU
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, greenish-yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★★ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, bats
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils in tropical regions
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm, moist conditions without pretreatment.
Pre-treatment: None required
Source: npn.rngr.net