Common Name: Cannonball Tree

General Information

Cannonball tree is a deciduous tree with a dense, oblong crown; it can grow from 8 - 30 metres tall[, , ]. The cylindrical bole is 30 - 50cm in diameter[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. A very ornamental tree, especially when cloaked in flowers or the large fruits which are produced on the trunk. There is, however, the disadvantage that the large, heavy fruits, which have a foul smell, can cause accidents when they fall from the tree[].
This species is very widespread, but is not common anywhere. The habitat of this species has declined widely because of clearing for settlement, timber and agriculture, resulting in populations becoming threatened at a national level. The Panamanian subpopulation is confined to a few trees in two provinces. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, the Guyanas; C. America Panama, Costa Rica

Habitat

Along the sides of rivers and in swampy areas at elevations below 500 metres in Peru[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	30.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants are very susceptible to frost[].
Prefers a sunny position[]. A plant of moist to wet soils in the wild, though it can also succeed in dry soils[].
Young plants usually establish well and can be 2.5 metres tall by the time they are two years old[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. Although the fruits are edible, the smell of the white flesh discourages most people from trying them, so they are only occasionally eaten[].

Medicinal

The pulp of the wood is used, after exposure, in the treatment of skin diseases of animals[].

The fruit pulp and the seeds are ingested as a refreshant[].

Other Uses

The flowers have a wonderful smell and can be used to scent perfumes and cosmetics[].

The hard shells of the fruit are sometimes used as containers[].

The heartwood is light yellow; it is not clearly demarcated from the sapwood. The texture is medium to coarse; the grain straight or interlocked; there is an unpleasant odour from the green wood. The wood is light to very light in weight; very soft to soft; not durable, being susceptible to fungi, dry wood borers and termites. It seasons somewhat slowly, with only a slight risk of checking or distortion; once dry it is moderately stable in service. The wood works easily with ordinary tools, though there is a tendency to woolliness and filling is recommended in order to obtain a good finish; nailing and screwing are poor; gluing is correct. The wood is used for various lower value purposes including toys, boxes and crates, matches, interior joinery and panelling, furniture components, wood-ware, floats, blockboard and fibre boards[, ].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon after harvesting as possible, it does not require pre-treatment. Seeds can be sown in semi-shade, either in nursery beds or in individual containers[]. When fresh seed is used, a germination rate in excess of 80% usually occurs within 8 - 15 days[]. Seedlings should be placed in individual containers by the time they are 6 - 10cm tall, and are ready to plant out when 7 months old[].

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