I will not quibble with those who say the calabash is not a food. They are correct. But how cool is it…
![DSC08746](../_Media/dsc08746_med_hr.jpeg)
![Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens, Calabash Tree, Crescentia cujete](../_Media/dsc08748_med_hr.jpeg)
Crescentia cujete, the Calabash Tree (jicaro, guiro, cuautecomate), while not a food, is so closely related to food as to be included here. The gourds, which grow directly from the trunk - like the cocoa - are dried and used as various utensils. They are made into bowls, cups, and musical instruments by the peoples of tropical America.