Couroupita guianensis

Cannonball Tree, Ayahuma, Shiva's Tree

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

All wealth belongs to the Divine and those who hold it are trustees, not possessors. It is with them today, tomorrow it may be elsewhere. All depends on the way they discharge their trust while it is with them, in what spirit, with what consciousness in their use of it, to what purpose.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother - IV

Most spiritual disciplines insist on a complete self-control, detachment and renunciation of all bondage to wealth and of all personal and egoistic desire for its possession. Some even put a ban on money and riches and proclaim poverty and bareness of life as the only spiritual condition. But this is an error; it leaves the power in the hands of the hostile forces. To reconquer it for the Divine to whom it belongs and use it divinely for the divine life is the supramental way for the Sadhaka.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother - IV

The ideal Sadhaka in this kind is one who if required to live poorly can so live and no sense of want will affect him or interfere with the full inner play of the divine consciousness, and if he is required to live richly, can so live and never for a moment fall into desire or attachment to his wealth or to the things that he uses or servitude to self-indulgence or a weak bondage to the habits that the possession of riches creates. The divine Will is all for him and the divine Ananda.

Sri Aurobindo, The Mother with Letters on The Mother: The Mother - IV

Colour

reddish and pinkish, with a six-parted perianth; the interior is often white or pale.

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Prosperity

The Mother’s Comment

Remains only with him who offers it to the Divine.

Colour

Light to deep red, yellow

Message of the Flower

Unselfish Prosperity

The Mother’s Comment

He who receives it abundantly gives all that he has as he receives it.

Colour

Pink, white, yellow

Family

Lecythidaceae

Cultivars

Not commonly known for cultivars.

Person who named the flower

Aublet

Flower Size

Large, can be up to 3-5 inches in diameter.

Flower Texture

Waxy

Number of Petals

Six petal-like structures; the flower is made of many complex parts.

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance.

Leaf Texture

Smooth, glossy.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate, forming large clusters at the end of branches.

Leaf Color

Bright green.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Large, evergreen tree.

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Can bloom several times a year, especially in tropical climates.

Climate

Tropical; does not tolerate cold.

Water Requirements

Moderate; requires well-drained soil.

Soil Type

Prefers rich, deep, and well-drained soil.

Temperature Ranges

Thrives in warm, tropical temperatures; not frost-tolerant.

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Susceptible to few pests; occasionally affected by root rot if overwatered.

Pollinators

Bees, bats, and other large insects.

Habitat

Native to the tropical forests of Central and South America.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, especially pollinators.

Ornamental

Widely grown for its spectacular flowers and unusual fruit.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mostly ornamental and religious.

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered, but habitat destruction poses a threat.