Monday, May 25, 2015

Trees of Mexico Calabash Tree

Calabash fruits are called Jicaras by the Maya who make beautiful crafts and bowls with it. Maya scholar Jean Charlot used to enjoy drinking fresh water for a jicara bowl.Calabash Tree (English) Jicara (Spanish) Luch Maya, Crescentia cujete,  Bignoniaceae Family. Native to tropical Americas. Calabash or Jicara tree has small bell-shaped leave. Its yellowish flowers, often veined with purple, open at night and are bat pollinated. The calabash fruit grows 12cm.across when ripped; heavy fruits, juicy pulp and seeds. Maya people cut calabash fruits and cured them to be used as bowls and cups. Trees endure high draught periods and enjoys full sun.

No comments:

Post a Comment