This
unusual African genus contains 18 species of tropical and
subtropical trees, one of which extends into northern South Africa.
The compound leaves are made up of oval leaflets. The large,
bell-shaped flowers are borne in long pendent racemes and are mostly
orange or red. They are adapted for pollination by bats. The huge,
gourd-like, sausage-shaped fruit have a thick skin(till 45 cm 18 in
long) enclosing a woody, fibrous pulp which contains many large
seeds.They are not edible.
Plant Height approx. 1200 cm
Cultivation : These trees require a hot climate, full sun,
well-drained soil and plenty of water, and do best in areas of high
humidity.
Propagate from seed or cuttings in spring. |