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Coité

Popular name: Coité or calabash tree
Scientific name: Crescentia cujete

Coité Inhotim
As it grows, the coité or calabash tree assumes a twisted, low, and very ramified form. Photo: João Marcos Rosa/Nitro.
Coité Inhotim
The fruits can reach the size of a soccer ball and are used as artisanal bowls. Photo: João Marcos Rosa/Nitro.

Of Tupi origin, the name ‘coité’ means vessel or pot, the reason why this plant is also known as calabash tree. Its hard and strong wood is used in carpentry and cabinetry.

The very hard shell of its fruit is used to make vessels and musical instruments, like the berimbau. The plant can also be used to extract dye and medicinal substances.

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