International Science Community Association International Research Journal of Biological Sciences 2278-3202 13 1 2024 02 10 The Cannonball Tree: A Tree of Beauty and Mystery 29 34 EN S. Sujitha 1 Dept of Public Health Dentistry, Public Health Forum, Ramapuram, Chennai-89, India Dhamodhar Dinesh 2 Dept of Public Health Dentistry, Public Health Forum, Ramapuram, Chennai-89, India M. Rajmohan 3 Dept of Public Health Dentistry, Public Health Forum, Ramapuram, Chennai-89, India R. Sindhu 4 Dept of Public Health Dentistry, Public Health Forum, Ramapuram, Chennai-89, India D. Prabu 5 Dept of Public Health Dentistry, Public Health Forum, Ramapuram, Chennai-89, India S. Sathiyapriya 6 Dept of Public Health Dentistry, Public Health Forum, Ramapuram, Chennai-89, India D.V. Hande 1 Shri Pundlik Maharaj Maharaj Mahavidyalaya, Nandura Rly, MS, India S.A. Shelke 2 Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, MS, India Joshi Shweta 1 Department of Foods & Nutrition, College of Home Science, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India Srivastava Sarita 2 Department of Foods & Nutrition, College of Home Science, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India Joshi Mugdha A 1 Department of Pharmacognosy, IVM’s Krishnarao Bhegade Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Talegaon Chakan road, Talegaon Dabhade-410507, Tal. Maval, Dist. Pune, Maharashtra, India Wattamwar Sanjana Sudhakar 2 IVM’s Krishnarao Bhegade Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Talegaon Chakan road, Talegaon Dabhade-410507, Tal. Maval, Dist. Pune, Maharashtra, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar technological university, Lonere, Raigad- 402103, India Pawar Chaitali Vilas 3 IVM’s Krishnarao Bhegade Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Talegaon Chakan road, Talegaon Dabhade-410507, Tal. Maval, Dist. Pune, Maharashtra, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar technological university, Lonere, Raigad- 402103, India Shahakar Mitali Gajanan 4 IVM’s Krishnarao Bhegade Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Talegaon Chakan road, Talegaon Dabhade-410507, Tal. Maval, Dist. Pune, Maharashtra, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar technological university, Lonere, Raigad- 402103, India Bubane Chetan Chandrakant 5 IVM’s Krishnarao Bhegade Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Talegaon Chakan road, Talegaon Dabhade-410507, Tal. Maval, Dist. Pune, Maharashtra, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar technological university, Lonere, Raigad- 402103, India Saindane Shubham Sachin 6 IVM’s Krishnarao Bhegade Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Talegaon Chakan road, Talegaon Dabhade-410507, Tal. Maval, Dist. Pune, Maharashtra, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar technological university, Lonere, Raigad- 402103, India > Review Paper 2023 10 12 2024 02 10 The Cannonball tree is a deciduous plant indigenous to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It is also grown in various other tropical areas for its ornamental and medicinal properties. The tree belongs to the family Lecythidaceae and has various regional names such as shivlingam, kailashpati, and ayahuma. The tree is characterized by its large, spherical fruits that resemble cannonballs, and its fragrant, colourful flowers that are borne in long racemes. The tree has been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani for treating various ailments such as gastritis, scabies, bleeding, piles, dysentery, scorpion poison, toothache, and cancer. The tree is also a source of timber, dye, and perfume. The cannonball tree is considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists, who use its flowers for religious ceremonies and offerings. The cannonball tree has many unique features that make it stand out among other plants. Copyright@ International Science Community Association