| Botanical Name |
Couroupita guianensis Aublet. |
| Common Name |
Cannon ball tree, Shivaling (Hindi), Nagalingam (Tamil), Naga pushpam (Sanskrit) |
Distribution
Throughout India |
Religious association
The structure of the flower resembles a cobra shading a Shiva lingam with its hood, hence the name Nagalingam or Shivalingam. The flower is offered to Lord Shiva. In some place in India, the tree is worshipped. (especially by childless couples) |
Uses
The juice of the flower is used for the treatment various skin diseases. Incense is made from the wood. |