Cullenia excelsa

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Large tree, reaching 150 feet (46 m), although grafted trees are considerably smaller, with a straight trunk and upright growth. Leaves are alternate, about 10 inches (25 cm) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide, green and glossy on the adaxial (upper) surface, silvery or bronze colored on the abaxial (underside) surface. Flowers are perfect, whitish, with a strong odor, in cauliflorous (produced directly on large branches) clusters of 3-30, blooming at night and primarily pollinated by bats. Fruits are large, from 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) long, with a hard, green, spiny shell.
The shell splits into five segments when ripe, exposing the creamy whitish, yellowish or pinkish aril which surrounds large seeds. The aril is very fragrant, and can be overpowering when indoors. The taste is sweet and spicy, like custard or vanilla ice cream with overtones of spices, onions and banana.
The fruit is believed to have medicinal properties, restoring health to humans and domestic animals. Leaf, fruit and root extracts are used to reduce fever, and in treatment of jaundice, swelling and skin diseases.