Crateva tapia L.

A tree which grows 5-25 m high. The bark of the trunk is grey and smooth. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The leaflets are elliptic and taper to a point. The leaflets are 5-15 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. The flowers are in a cluster. They have a smell. The petals are enlarged and creamy white. The stamens are purple. The fruit are 4-5 cm across and greenish orange when ripe. The outer layer is leathery. The flesh is whitish and with many seeds. The seeds are 0.8 cm across. The fruit have a bad smell but are edible.

Low elevations in dry or wet forests, common in grassland and dry areas, and also found in swampy or flooded locations. Moist or wet forest or thickets, usually near sea level, but extending to elevations of 1,400 metres in Guatemala.

The fruit can be eaten. They have a garlic taste. They are used for drinks and for liqueurs.

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need cold treatment. Plants can also be grafted. The seed from ripe fruit germinate in 2-3 weeks.