More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Fruits of Zihuatanejo
Crateva tapia
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Mustards, Capers, and Allies (Order Brassicales)
-Spider Flower Family (Family Cleomaceae)
-Spider Flowers (Genus Cleome)
-Crateva tapia
The Crateva tapia tree, also known as the Garlic Pear, is sometimes harvested from the wild for its edible fruit. All parts of the plant have a garlic-like aroma and, for this reason the fruit is not usually greatly appreciated. The wood is sometimes used for posts etc, and as a source of pulp. It is found in Central America and Northern South America.
Description
• Crateva tapia, commonly known as garlic pear or tropical garlic pear, is a deciduous tree in the caper family (Capparaceae). It has alternate, trifoliate leaves, with three oval to elliptic leaflets. Its showy flowers have long, projecting stamens and petals that may be white, cream, pinkish, or reddish as they age. The flowers develop into rounded, fleshy fruits containing numerous seeds. The foliage and bark may have a garlic-like odour when crushed.
Range
• Crateva tapia is native to tropical America, including parts of Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. It occurs in warm regions with seasonal rainfall. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• It grows in tropical dry and moist forests, woodland, river margins, and forest edges. It favours warm environments and can occur in both seasonally dry areas and locations with greater soil moisture, including along streams and in disturbed landscapes.