Oct 19, 2010: Cannonball Tree

xoxoxoBruce · 10-18-2010, 11:58 PM

Unlike that big Redwood, this baby can fight back, take you out by dropping a "cannonball" on you.

Quote:

It is the case with a number of plants that they are given popular names which reflect how they look or what they do. So it is with the Cannonball Tree whose fruit is so large that they look like cannonballs. Not only that, when they fall to the ground a large noise is created similar to... you guessed it.

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So you will not find a Cannonball Tree near a public pathway or a road. One of these fruit, weighing in at several pounds and often up to ten inches in diameter could kill you. So, you really want to avoid standing directly under them when they are in fruit.

Umm, duh.

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The tree (scientific name Couroupita guianensis is native to the south of the Caribbean and to the northern parts of South America. Yet it has also been growing in India for at least two to three thousand years and the jury is out whether it is native there or somehow the trees were transported across the continents several thousand years ago.

Obviously they were propagated in several places... by space aliens.

link

SPUCK · 10-19-2010, 05:35 AM

That tree has balls.

Also looks like a Stage Tree.

Sheldonrs · 10-19-2010, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUCK

That tree has balls.

Also looks like a Stage Tree.

Gives whole new meaning to the phrase "Morning Wood".

newtimer · 10-19-2010, 07:46 AM

Yeah, yeah, yeah...they're big and they fall. But how do you eat them?

xoxoxoBruce · 10-19-2010, 08:49 AM

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When the fruit cracks it lets out what can only be described as a foul stench. Passing animals are attracted to this odor and when the seeds pass through their digestive system they will hopefully land on fertile soil and a new tree will take root.

You're only allowed if you poop in the woods.

Trilby · 10-19-2010, 08:57 AM

why are animals attracted to foul stench? What's with animals? I thought they had GOOD noses...

Sheldonrs · 10-19-2010, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brianna

why are animals attracted to foul stench? What's with animals? I thought they had GOOD noses...

Humans have the luxury of eating for enjoyment. Animals do it solely for survival. If eating something that stinks means you live another day, you eat something that stinks.

xoxoxoBruce · 10-19-2010, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brianna

why are animals attracted to foul stench? What's with animals? I thought they had GOOD noses...

To roll in it, and bring the stench proudly home.

ToastyOhs · 10-19-2010, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brianna

why are animals attracted to foul stench? What's with animals? I thought they had GOOD noses...

There are animals whose diet is mostly carrion. Partially decomposed plant and animal matter is easier to eat and digest.

TomBow · 10-19-2010, 11:50 AM

I think the sign needs to be a bit smaller, to bring more people into range.

Sheldonrs · 10-19-2010, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToastyOhs

There are animals whose diet is mostly carrion. Partially decomposed plant and animal matter is easier to eat and digest.

Anthony Bordain, table for one!

spudcon · 10-19-2010, 02:25 PM

I'll bet there is a species of these that grows by patways, and disguises itself as a money tree.

xoxoxoBruce · 10-19-2010, 10:35 PM

What's patways?

spudcon · 10-20-2010, 07:31 AM

Ooops, pathways. Blame it on my keyboard.

xoxoxoBruce · 10-20-2010, 08:36 AM

That the supermarket up there?

10-19-2010, 08:57 AM	#6
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	why are animals attracted to foul stench? What's with animals? I thought they had GOOD noses... __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

10-19-2010, 02:25 PM	#12
spudcon Beware of potatoes Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upstate NY, USA Posts: 2,078	I'll bet there is a species of these that grows by patways, and disguises itself as a money tree. __________________ "I believe that being despised by the despicable is as good as being admired by the admirable."

10-19-2010, 10:35 PM	#13
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	What's patways? __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

10-20-2010, 07:31 AM	#14
spudcon Beware of potatoes Join Date: May 2007 Location: Upstate NY, USA Posts: 2,078	Ooops, pathways. Blame it on my keyboard. __________________ "I believe that being despised by the despicable is as good as being admired by the admirable."

10-20-2010, 08:36 AM	#15
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	That the supermarket up there? __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

10-19-2010, 05:35 AM	#2
SPUCK Professor Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,911	That tree has balls. Also looks like a Stage Tree.

10-19-2010, 07:46 AM	#4
newtimer Operations Operative Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 479	Yeah, yeah, yeah...they're big and they fall. But how do you eat them?

10-19-2010, 11:50 AM	#10
TomBow Non-Newbie Sort Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Baltimore, Maryland USA Posts: 6	I think the sign needs to be a bit smaller, to bring more people into range.

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