Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo) Crescentia cujete
Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo) (Crescentia cujete) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Bignoniaceae family, native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America. It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 5–9 m (16–30 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–9 m (16–30 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: fruit pulp
The pulp is not eaten: it is a strong purgative and reported to cause abortion in livestock.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo)
- How far apart should I plant Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–9 m (16–30 ft).
- Does Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo) flower?
- From about April for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The pulp is not eaten: it is a strong purgative and reported to cause abortion in livestock.
- What grows well with Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Calabash tree (jícaro, totumo). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Fruits of Warm Climates (Morton, 1987), Purdue University NewCROP
Notes and assumptions
- Bell-shaped flowers grow straight from the trunk and open at night for bats; the hard round fruit dries into gourds used for bowls, cups (jícaras, totumas) and maracas.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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