Thursday, June 10, 2010

Coconut-like Tree


Also on the Theosophical Society grounds was this tree. It had coconut-like balls dangling from vines, as well as orchid-like blossoms. Anyone know what it's called?

2 comments:

Pat said...

I think I saw this tree near the museum we visited in Chennai. It had a plaque that said "Cannonball tree," followed by a Latin name...aptly named, for sure. See this link.

Pat said...

Note this part of the link:

The Cannon ball tree possesses antibiotic, antifungal, antiseptic and analgesic qualities. The trees are used to cure colds and stomach aches. The juice made from the leaves is used to cure skin diseases, and the Shamans of South America have even used tree parts for treating malaria. The inside of the fruit can disinfect wounds and young leaves ease toothache.