Heaven Lotus

Other names: Membrillo

Botanical name: Gustavia superba (Lecythidaceae)

A FANTASTIC FLOWER TREE

The common name for the tree is derived from its amazing Lotus-resembling flowers. This lush flower tree from the rainforest brings to mind images and sounds of the jungle and the soft warmth of the rainforest. The beauty of the tree fills the heart with wonder and delight. The tree is known as Membrillo in Central America, but does not have a connection with the European fruit tree of the same name. This tree is a part of the tropical, blooming Gustavia trees that are native to Central and South America. The Indians call the tree Tupu and Tuba.

The Heaven Lotus can grow 15 m (49 ft) high and the trunk diameter of a fully grown tree can be 30 cm (1 ft). The tree species is endangered due to the chopping down of the rainforests where it grows.

THE HONEY FLOWERS AND THE SEALED FRUITS

The Heaven Lotus blooms and bears fruit from March to September. The big pink flowers glow under long, light green leaves. It’s hard to imagine a more tropical tree. The honey obtained from this tree is very tasty and valuable. The fruits are approximately 7 cm (3 inch) long and have one fascinating detail: it’s as if each fruit has a seal pressed with a ring. The fruits are green to begin with and turn yellow as they ripen. They are a treat for monkeys, rabbits and other small forest animals. Some Indian tribes too eat the fruits both fresh and boiled. The fruits contain plenty of vitamin A, B and C as well as phosphorus.

THE TREE HEALS AND CAN EVEN SAVE A LIFE

The Indians use the leaves to make a medicinal tea to reduce fever and relieve the common cold. According to Indians, the decoction made from the leaves can save a victim wounded by poisonous arrows.