Family: Bombaceae

Native to South America, these exceptionally beautiful, tropical trees have very spiky trunks, large, hibiscus-like flowers, alternate, compound leaves and pear-shaped capsular fruits.

Species

C. insignis, from Peru and Argentina, has white or white- and yellow-streaked flowers in autumn and winter. It grows 15 m (50 ft) or so tall.

C. speciosa, floss silk tree, from Brazil, grows very tall in its native habitat, but only to around 20 m (65 ft) when cultivated elsewhere. It produces single flowers in pink, violet, cream or yellow, spotted with brown at the base, and never produces two trees exactly alike. The orchid-like flowers appear in autumn. The floss silk tree has the advantage of producing its flowers at a young age. The seeds are embedded in silky fibers inside the fruits.

Cultivation

In climates which are prone to frost, grow in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in pots containing soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light but shade from direct sun. Water well in summer and moderately during the rest of the year. Outdoors, they need a sunny spot and well-drained, acid or neutral soil well supplied with organic matter. Propagate from seed sown in warmth in spring.

Climate

Zone 10.