Winged Calabash, Mexican Calabash

This native tree has an interesting shape with unique flowers and  gourds that grow directly off the its  trunk  and branches. The seeds and pulp are edible. The Nicaraguans make a special drink from the gourd called horchata "Semilla de Jicaro " that is exported to the US. Hondurans and El Salvadorians produce a similar type of horcatta. This is a good tree for hosting  for epiphytes.