The Fruit of the Morro Tree [Crescentia alata]

Morro fruit has many distinct features that can be utilized for human use. The dried shell of the Morro fruit has been utilized for making containers, toys, and handicrafts for centuries. The pulp is food for cattle and horses, and is also used in the concoction of various folk remedies. Oil produced by the seeds is useful in cosmetic and therapeutic application.

(Left) newly developing Morro fruits, contained by floral bracts (Right) young Morro fruit developing on trunk. Images by Jingwen Sun

Morro fruit takes several months to achieve its full size, eventually a achieving a considerable weight. The considerable weight of so many cannonball-sized fruits means that Morro fruits only develop on the trunk and strongest branches of the trees. Indeed the appearance of a cluster of Morro fruits along a branch is almost bizarre.

Cluster of maturing Morro fruit growing along branch. Image by Jingwen Sun
(Left) developing Morro fruit that has reached full size but does not yet contain mature seeds or pulp. (Right) yellow colored Morro fruit that is close to maturity next to less mature green fruit. Images by Jingwen Sun

Once Morro fruit reaches its full size the color of the shell transitions from green, to yellow, and eventually to brown. Meanwhile the inner pulp of the fruit looses mass as it changes from being hard and white, interspersed with immature yellow seeds, to a syrupy blackish-purple residue that contains the mature seeds. This residue possesses a pungent fruity smell and is used in many folk remedies. The final stages of fruit maturation occur after they have fallen to the ground. When fruits are at optimal ripeness the ball of pulp will bounce around inside the shell when shaken.

(Left) fully mature Morro fruit with dry outer shell (Right) ripe Morro pulp containing mature seeds. Images by Jingwen Sun

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