Cannon ball tree
In Religion and Mythology
The flower is offered to Lord Shiva.
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) The juice of the flower is used for the treatment various skin diseases. Incense is made from the wood.
Botanical Name: Couroupita guianensis Aublet.
Common Name:Cannon ball tree, Shivaling (Hindi), Nagalingam (Tamil), Naga pushpam (Sanskrit)
Distribution: Throughout India