Crescentia (calabash tree, huingo, krabasi, or kalebas) is a genus of six species[2] of flowering plants in the family Bignoniaceae, native to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America.[1] The species are moderate-size trees growing to 10 m (35 ft) tall, and producing large spherical fruits, with a thin, hard shell and soft pulp,[3] up to 25 cm (10 in) in diameter.[4]
Crescentia | |
---|---|
Crescentia cujete | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Lamiales |
Family: | Bignoniaceae |
Clade: | Crescentiina |
Clade: | Tabebuia alliance |
Tribe: | Crescentieae |
Genus: | Crescentia L. (1753) |
Species[1] | |
six; see text | |
Synonyms[1] | |
|
The fruit pulp is used traditionally for respiratory problems.[5] The hard shell can be used for containers, scoops, cups etc.[3]
Six species are accepted.[1]
- Crescentia alata Kunth
- Crescentia amazonica Ducke
- Crescentia cujete L.
- Crescentia linearifolia Miers
- Crescentia mirabilis Eckman ex Urb.
- Crescentia portoricensis Britton
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