Family: Bombacaceae
Common Name: Silk Cotton Tree

These large deciduous trees occur naturally in the tropical forests of Asia, Africa and Australia, and grow well only in hot climate gardens. All are softwoods and all flower during spring with a showy display of scarlet or white. Some have spiny trunks or branches.

Species

B. ceiba, red silk cotton tree, can grow to 35 m (115 ft) high. It has a spiny trunk and branches and palmate leaves. The striking, fleshy red flowers, laden with honey, last about three weeks, providing a startling contrast to the bare branches. When the blooms autumn, they form an attractive carpet under the tree. After flowering, large seed pods form, the seeds encased in thick silky hairs which have been used for kapok.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow as foliage plants in pots in a warm greenhouse or conservatory. It is unlikely they will flower under glass. Use soil-based potting compost and provide maximum light.

Climate

Zone 10 and above.