I have been visiting IIT for a couple of years now. Since IIT-B is located in the heart of nature one get to see different and rare trees and birds. One such tree which has attracted me for past so many years is a Cannonball tree. Earlier, I was unaware of the name and the significance of this tree. However, after some research, I came to know that this is not just another tree with beautiful flowers, but it has significance in Buddhism. In fact, the cannonball tree – Couroupita guianensis – is a rare tree with many benefits. Here is what I learned about the beautiful tree.
Table of Contents
This tree is listed among the rare trees in India. It is native to rainforests of South and Central America but has been in India for almost 3000 years. Its botanical name is Couroupita guianensis and in India, it is known with a variety of names like Nagalinga or Tope gola in Hindi, Lingada mara or Nagalingam in Kannada, Shivalingam in Marathi, Kaman gola in Bengali and Naagalingam in Tamil. In India, the this tree is considered as a sacred tree by Hindus.
In the centre, the flower has a shivling shape and snake shape pollens surrounding it. In most part of India, the flower is used for Shiv Pooja and hence the tree is grown around temples. Also, the flowers of Couroupita guianensis, have a very strong scent, especially during morning and evening.
The flower
The flower of the tree is as known as Salavan flower and is considered as a symbol of Buddhism. In Sri Lanka, these flowers are called Sal Mal. A Sal tree is a scared tree for Buddhists. So in Sri Lanka, the cannonball flowers are offered to Lord Buddha. According to Buddhist scripture, it is said that Lord Buddha (Prince Siddhartha) was born in a garden of Sal trees. Maya Devi gave birth to Prince Siddhartha in ‘Lumbini Sal Garden’ and under a sal tree. Still, this place in Nepal is a major attraction of Buddhist all over the world. Buddha was showered with scented flower petals as he laid on the deathbed surrounded by his disciples.
The tree
Directly on the main truck or main branches, the tree bears large, heavy and woody fruits looking similar to cannonballs hanging in the cluster and hence the name cannonball tree. The fruits develop within 18 months and remain on the tree for almost a year or more after which it falls with a thud and creates loud and explosive noise. Hence it is advisable to stay away from the tree as there are chances that the fruits falling might injure you.
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Benefits
This rare tree has many medical and other uses.
- The plant extract is used to treat stomach aches and cold.
- The juice extracted is used to treat skin diseases
- The tree parts are used to treat malaria
- Young leaves are used to provide relief from a toothache
- Fruit shells are used as utensil or containers
- Flowers have a good strong smell which is used to add scent in cosmetics and perfumes
- The wood of the tree is used to manufacture boxes, toys, light artefacts, etc.
Nine Fascinating Facts
- Sacred Significance: In India, the Cannonball tree holds sacred significance in Hinduism, often grown around temples and used in Shiv Pooja due to its unique flower resembling a shivling.
- Buddhist Symbolism: The tree’s flowers, known as Salavan flowers, hold symbolism in Buddhism, particularly in Sri Lanka, where they are offered to Lord Buddha. They are associated with the birth of Prince Siddhartha under a Sal tree.
- Fragrant Flowers: The tree’s flowers emit a strong, pleasant scent, especially during the morning and evening, adding to its allure.
- Unique Fruit: The tree bears large, heavy, and woody fruits resembling cannonballs, hanging in clusters directly from its main trunk or branches.
- Loud Fruit Falls: When the fruits ripen and fall from the tree, they create a loud and explosive noise upon impact with the ground, hence earning the tree its name.
- Medicinal Uses: Various parts of the tree, including its plant extract, juice, and young leaves, are utilized in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as stomach aches, colds, skin diseases, malaria, and toothaches.
- Versatile Parts: Beyond its medicinal properties, different parts of the Couroupita guianensis tree find diverse uses, from fruit shells serving as utensils or containers to its wood being used in manufacturing various items like boxes, toys, and light artifacts.
- Native to India: Although native to the rainforests of South and Central America, the this tree has been present in India for almost 3000 years, where it is known by various names such as Nagalinga or Shivalingam.
- Rare and Unique: The tree is considered rare, adding to its allure and significance in the cultural and natural landscape, making it a unique and valued species.
In Nutshell
Cannonball tree – Couroupita guianensis – is a rare tree with many benefits. In India, it is known with many names and is considered as sacred by Hindus. The flower of the tree, known as Salavan flower is considered as a symbol of Buddhism. The flower is beautiful with a sweet fragrance. The tree also has many medical and other benefits. In short, it is a rare and unique tree.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is special about cannonball tree?
The Cannonball tree, scientifically known as Couroupita guianensis, is special for several reasons. It is revered in Hinduism as a sacred tree, with its flowers often used in religious rituals. Additionally, its significance extends to Buddhism, where its flowers symbolize the faith and are offered to Lord Buddha in some traditions. Beyond its cultural importance, the tree offers various medicinal benefits, with extracts used to treat stomach aches, skin diseases, and malaria. The tree’s unique appearance, large woody fruits resembling cannonballs, and the explosive noise they make upon falling add to its distinctiveness.
What is another name for the cannonball tree?
The cannonball tree is known by various names in different regions. In India, it is called Nagalinga or Tope gola in Hindi, Lingada mara or Nagalingam in Kannada, Shivalingam in Marathi, Kaman gola in Bengali, and Naagalingam in Tamil.
What is the height of cannonball tree?
The Cannonball tree can reach impressive heights, typically ranging from 15 to 25 meters (approximately 50 to 82 feet) tall.
What is the use of Nagalinga tree?
The Nagalinga tree, also known as the Cannonball tree, has various uses. Its extracts are used in traditional medicine to treat stomach aches, skin diseases, and malaria. Additionally, its flowers are utilized in religious ceremonies, especially in Hindu rituals.
Why is it called cannonball tree?
The cannonball tree derives its name from the large, heavy, and woody fruits it bears, which resemble cannonballs. These fruits hang in clusters from the main trunk or branches of the tree.
Can we eat cannonball fruit?
No, the fruits of the cannonball tree are not typically consumed as they are not known to be edible. They are primarily used for medicinal purposes and as containers or utensils due to the hard shells.
What is the cannonball tree called in India?
In India, the cannonball tree is known by various names including Nagalinga, Tope gola, Lingada mara, Nagalingam, Shivalingam, and Kaman gola, depending on the region and language.
Is cannonball tree rare?
Yes, the Cannonball tree, scientifically named Couroupita guianensis, is considered rare. While native to the rainforests of South and Central America, it has been in India for nearly 3000 years. Its scarcity adds to its cultural and ecological significance.
How do you grow a cannonball tree?
The Cannonball tree can be grown from seeds. It typically thrives in tropical climates with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. However, due to its rarity and specific requirements, obtaining seeds or saplings may be challenging outside of its natural habitat.
What is the Cannonball tree in Hinduism?
In Hinduism, the Cannonball tree holds sacred significance. Its flowers are often used in religious rituals, especially in worship of Lord Shiva, where the tree is grown around temples. The tree is associated with various myths and legends, adding to its importance in Hindu culture.
Bhaskara Naik
Woow.. Lot of information.. Superbly written.
Ashwini
Thank you.
Luis Dahir Arizala Ocoro
Me encantó conocer y saber sobre El árbol bala de cañón, siempre lo he visto y me preguntaba para que servirá aquel árbol, con esas bolas gigantes y con esas flor tan linda.
Nuwan Hemachandre
Couroupita guianensis is not the Shala tree, It is common misunderstanding through the region of south east asia.
Original Shala or Sal tree which significant in Buddhist tradition is Shorea robusta..
It is mentioned in ayurvedic recipes or Nighantus as shala, sal or ashvakarna which is another name for shala..