Also known as the calabash tree, this generally small tree is known for its odd, dark green leaves, trumpet flowers, and strange fruit. Upon close inspection, the leaves have long, winged petioles that are split into 3 parts at the ends, giving them a cross-like appearance. The flowers are golden-brown in color, with 5 petals fused together to form a fat-trumpet shape. These odd looking trumpet flowers grow right on the trunk instead of on its leafy stems. Upon fertilization, these flowers turn into bright green, spherical fruits, 3 inches in diameter resembling small gourds. They are very hard and the only animals known to break them open are humans and horses. This strange, rare tree is native to Central America and is one of the Arboretum’s Great Trees of Arizona.
