Scientific name: Couroupita guianensis

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.30″ N, 64° 49′ 46.63″ W

Medicinal Uses

ouroupita guianensis, or the Cannonball tree, is rich in medicinal compounds, traditionally used for inflammation, infections (bacterial/fungal), pain, stomach issues, skin conditions, malaria, hypertension, and tumors, with various parts like leaves, flowers, and fruits offering remedies for ailments like colds, wounds, and dysentery, though modern scientific validation for some uses is ongoing. 

Key Medicinal Properties & Uses:

• Antimicrobial/Antifungal: Extracts show activity against bacteria (like E. coli) and fungi, used for skin infections, wounds, and even potential anti-tuberculosis effects.
• Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic: Used for pain, rheumatism, swelling, and conditions like gastritis, with extracts showing activity comparable to standard drugs like paracetamol.
• Antioxidant: Rich in flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds, offering protection against free radicals and potentially cancer.
• Anticancer: Compounds like indirubin and isatin, found in the flowers, are being studied for potential anti-leukemia and general anticancer effects.
• Wound Healing & Skin: Fruit pulp disinfects wounds, while leaf juice treats skin diseases, scabies, and ulcers.
• Gastrointestinal: Used for stomach aches, dysentery, and diarrhea.
• Respiratory: Decoctions help with upper airway infections.
• Other Uses: Addresses malaria, hypertension, toothaches, and is even explored for fertility modulation. 

Plant Parts Used:

• Leaves: Juice for skin issues, colds, and as a tonic; also used for upper respiratory infections.
• Flowers: Infusions for fungal issues, inflammation, gastritis, and malaria; contain potent anticancer compounds.
• Fruits: Pulp for wounds, scabies, dysentery; contains indirubin and other active agents.
• Bark: Decoctions for hypertension, pain, tumors, and gastrointestinal issues. 

Key Compounds:

• Indirubin, Indigotin (natural blue dyes).
• Isatin (anticancer, antioxidant).
• Tryptanthrine, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, oils, sterols. 

Note: While traditional uses are extensive and scientific research supports many properties, more in vivo (human) studies are needed to fully confirm efficacy and safety for specific conditions.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis)

1. Flowering
This tree is famous for its spectacular, fragrant flowers, which grow in long, hanging racemes directly from the trunk or large branches—a botanical phenomenon known as cauliflory.

• In tropical climates like St. Croix, flowering can occur throughout the year, but may peak in the dry season or early wet season (approx. February–June).
• Flowers are large (4–6 inches wide), waxy, and pink-to-red with yellow and white staminal structures.
• They are pollinated by bees, especially large ones like carpenter bees.

Observation Tips:

• Track first appearance of buds, peak bloom periods, and length of raceme growth.
• Note fragrance intensity and pollinator presence (usually strongest early in the day).
• Flowering may continue even while fruit is still developing.

2. Fruiting
The tree produces large, spherical fruits (up to 10 inches in diameter) that resemble cannonballs—hence the name.

• Fruits develop directly on the trunk and can take up to a year to mature.
• They contain numerous seeds embedded in a foul-smelling pulp that attracts animals like peccaries or bats (if present).

Observation Tips:

• Document the size and development stage of fruits (green → brown → cracked or fallen).
• Note any fruit drop, which usually occurs after long maturation.
• Use caution—falling fruit can be hazardous due to size and weight.

3. Leaf Behavior
The tree is evergreen, but it may show leaf turnover in response to seasonal shifts.

• New leaves are typically lighter green and soft before maturing.
• Mild leaf drop may precede flowering or be triggered by stress.

4. Cauliflorous Growth Pattern
Both flowers and fruits appear directly from the trunk and large limbs, making phenological changes easy to observe up close.

• Track emergence and extension of flowering racemes over time.

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