Cannon-ball tree is a South American tree that bears large, round fruits. The fruits resemble cannonballs, giving the tree its name. The fruits are reddish-brown and grow to 9 inches (23 centimeters) in diameter. They have thin, woody shells filled with soft pulp. The pulp has a disagreeable odor and contains many seeds. The tree can shed its leaves several times a year in response to dry weather. It bears fragrant red-and-yellow flowers in clusters directly on the trunk or on short, tangled branches along the trunk. The flowers are about 2 inches (5 centimeters) wide and have four to six curved petals.
