Crateva religiosa
 | This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (May 2017) |
| This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. (August 2013) |
| Crateva religiosa | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Capparaceae |
| Genus: | Crateva |
| Species: | C. religiosa
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| Binomial name | |
| Crateva religiosa | |
| Synonyms | |
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Crateva religiosa, the sacred garlic pear or temple plant, is a species of flowering tree. It is a member of the capers family. The tree is sometimes called the spider tree because the showy flowers bear long, spidery stamens. It is native to Japan, Australia, much of Southeast Asia and several South Pacific islands. It is grown elsewhere for fruit, especially in parts of the African continent.
The fruit of the tree is edible and high in vitamin C. The nectar-filled flowers are attractive to a multitude of insects and birds. A pierid butterfly, Hebomoia glaucippe, is a frequent visitor to this plant.