Species cannonball tree
orange fruits with brown trunk, orange-brown branches and green leaves

cannonball tree

Couroupita guianensis

The Cannonball Tree is an amazing species known for its huge, bright, fragrant flower clusters. Its woody capsule fruits are similar in size to a cannonball which is where it gets its name. This tree is very hardy and can adapt to various climates and soil types but prefers areas that tend to be moist and humid. Its flowers give off a sweet aroma and often attract hummingbirds and other pollinators to the garden. It's a fast-growing and ornamental tree that is perfect for those looking for a tropical look for their landscape. Plus, its non-toxic fruits are said to have medicinal properties.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

11 - 12

Flowers:

Rose-pink to red Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Fruits:

red,yellow,orange Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

High

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

High

watering

Water the cannonball tree regularly and profusely, as it does not do well with dry soil. During its growing season (Spring to early Summer), it should be watered twice a week. This is especially important if the tree has been recently planted. During the dormant season in late Fall and Winter, reduce watering to once a month. When in doubt, use your finger to check the soil's moisture level. If it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water.

sunlight

The cannonball tree needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This is because it is native to regions close to the equator, and it requires the immense energy of direct sunlight to grow the large fruits it is known for. The best time of day for the cannonball tree to receive sunlight is between 9AM and 4PM or 10AM and 5PM when the sunlight is most direct.

pruning

Cannonball Tree should be pruned twice a year in late spring/early summer and late summer/early fall. Pruning should be done right after flowering has completed. Cannotball Trees should be pruned quite lightly, removing only dead or weak branches and cutting back branches that are too close together. The amount of pruning should gradually increase as the tree matures.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The cannonball tree typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Couroupita guianensis typically begins in June and ends in August.

Hardiness Map