Panama candle tree
Parmentiera cereifera

Family: Bignoniaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It grows 7 m tall. It develops branches from near the base of the trunk. The limbs spread and arch in an untidy manner. The leaves have 3 leaflets and are light green. The leaflets are 6.5 cm long. The leaf stalks have wings. The flowers are showy and greenish-white. They are 5 cm long. They are bell-shaped and have frilly lips. They are produced on the stems and trunk. The fruit is a capsule 54 cm long. It is a dull yellow and hangs from the trunk and branches.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to Panama. It grows on limestone formations. It can tolerate some drought. It is best in full sun or bright shade. It needs well drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 10-12. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Haiti, Hawaii, Hispaniola, India, Mexico (country/location of origin), Mozambique, North America, Pacific, Panama (country/location of origin), Puerto Rico, South America, Sri Lanka, Trinidad, USA, Venezuela, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Cuachilote, Palo de velas, Pato de vela

Synonyms

Crescentia cereifera;