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Jicaro

Crescentia Alata

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Overview

Crescentia alata, or Jicaro, is a small, drought-tolerant tree native to Central America. Typically reaching 15-20 ft in height, it features a distinctive round canopy. Glossy, lime-green leaves contrast with round, gourd-like fruit hanging on long stalks. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Requires minimal care, making it a unique and low-maintenance choice for warm climate landscapes. Its unusual silhouette creates visual interest year-round.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 4–11Climate Temperate

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
4–11

Shape & size

Mature height
30–35 Ft.

Classification

Family
Bignoniaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (122)

Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — Prefers full sun and well-drained soil
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — Typically reaching 15-20 ft in height, it features a distinctive round canopy
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — Glossy, lime-green leaves contrast with round, gourd-like fruit hanging on long stalks
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — Requires minimal care, making it a unique and low-maintenance choice for warm climate landscapes
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — Its unusual silhouette creates visual interest year-round
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — also known by its scientific name Crescentia alata
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — is an intriguing and multifaceted addition to any landscape design
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — Crescentia alata, or Jicaro, is a small, drought-tolerant tree native to Central America
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — This resilient tree thrives in various soil types, although it prefers well-draining ground
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — native to Central America
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — typically reaches a modest height of around 15 to 25 feet
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — offering both aesthetic appeal and practical uses
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — with a canopy spread almost equal to its height
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — evergreen leaves that are arranged in a spiral fashion
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — spherical fruit that grow directly on the trunk and main branches
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — and minimal maintenance requirements
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — making it a conversation piece that is both functional and exotic
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — tree with white blooms
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — white flowers in the garden
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — but it also bears cultural significance
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — Its fruit is traditionally used to make containers and utensils
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — When selecting the Jicaro for a landscape
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — distinctive fruiting habit
Jicaro (Crescentia Alata) — a phenomenon known as cauliflory

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