Crescentia alata

Native from Mexico to Costa Rica, this small tree grows in dry savannas and can reach about 16 to 46 feet tall. Its leaves are simple or divided into three leaflets, with broad, winged leaf stalks. Brownish flowers with purple veins emerge directly from the trunk and older branches. Rounded fruits about 3 to 4 inches across develop hard shells enclosing pulp and numerous seeds. The dried shells are used as containers and musical instruments. It has been introduced to Panama and parts of the Caribbean. Photographed in Panama.