Cannon Ball Tree

Binomial Couroupita guianensis Aubl.
Family Lecythidaceae
Tamil Name Naagalinga maram (நாகலிங்க மரம்)
Flowers Large, showy, in racemes, cauliflorous, petals concave yellow or red on the outside and crimson- lilac on the inside, heavily scented.
Flowering Period Almost throughout the year
Fruits Large, spherical woody, resembles a rusty cannon ball.
Pollinators Bees
Country of origin Guiana
About the tree Listed in the Lower Risk (LR) category of endangered plants in the IUCN Red Data Book. The tree is planted as a specimen tree. It is religiously significant to the Hindus who believe the flower centre resembles the shape of the ‘Sivalingam’ idol thus calling it the ‘Naagalingam’. It is known to have antibacterial, wound healing, antioxidant, anti tumor, anti-ulcer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.
Location on campus https://goo.gl/maps/3zXznkFHkrFTwnHE6