Cannonball tree
Couepia guianensis
Family: Chrysobalanaceae
What it is like
A large tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 25 m tall. The leaves are simple and 15 cm long. They have teeth around the edge. The flowers are on the trunk. They are red, yellow and pink. They have a strong scent. They are 8-12 cm across. The fruit are large and round and woody. They hang in clusters. The fruit have small seeds in a white jelly. The top of the fruit lifts off. The fruit are edible. Plants are pollinated by bats.
Where it is found
A tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Amazon, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guiana (country/location of origin), Guianas, Guyana, Peru, South America, Suriname, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The pulp of the fruit is eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds, fruit - oil
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Merecure