Calabash tree (Crescentia cujete)

Berenuk or calabash tree (Crescentia cujete) is a plant species in Bignoniaceae, a medium-sized tree, grooved trunk and leathery trunk, leaves are distinctively arranged in three pairs, fruit has a round and large shape, often used as a medicinal ingredient.

C. cujete has a height of up to 10 m, the stem is cylindrical, grooved, branched and blackish white. The leaves have short stalks, are compound, pinnate, oval, tapered or rounded and 10-15 cm long.

Single flower, growing from branches or twigs. The fruit is round or ovoid, large like a ball, has a stalk, has thick skin, smooth surface and is green in color. The seeds are square and brown.

The leaves, stems and fruit contain saponins, polyphenols and flavonoids. The leaves are used as a medicine for new wounds and hypertension. Fruits and seeds to treat diarrhea, stomach ache, colds, bronchitis, asthma, and difficulty urinating. Fruit is also used as a craft medium.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Subphylum: Angiospermae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Bignoniaceae
Tribe: Crescentieae
Genus: Crescentia
Species: Crescentia cujete

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