Bombax ceiba aka Northern Cottonwood

Taxonomy

Genus Bombax Family Malvaceae Order Malvales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Bombax ceiba, also known as cotton tree, is a large, spiny, deciduous tree native to monsoon forested areas in China and Indomalaysia. Its straight tall trunk, which can reach up to 150 feet in optimum growing environments, has cone-shaped spines that become less prominent as the tree matures. The tree bears palmate green leaves with 5-7 smooth, leathery leaflets and showy red to orange-red flowers with 5 petals that bloom in late winter to early spring. The flowers are followed by seed pods that split open to release silky cotton imbedded with small brown seeds. Its wood is too soft to be useful despite its stout trunk. The tree is also known as Malabar silk-cotton tree, red silk-cotton, red cotton tree, or ambiguously as silk-cotton or kapok, both of which may also refer to Ceiba pentandra. The genus name comes from the Greek word bombyx meaning silk in reference to the silky hairs in the seed capsule, while the specific epithet comes from a Spanish derivative name in reference to a group of large, tropical trees related to Bombax. The Red Silk Cottontree, a large flowering tree in the marshmallow family native to tropical regions of Asia and northern Australia, also has large showy red flowers and smooth white bark.

Common names

Northern Cottonwood, Red Silk Cottontree, Red Silk Cotton

How to care for Northern Cottonwood

Difficulty

Northern Cottonwood presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Northern Cottonwood should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Northern Cottonwood thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Red Silk Cotton.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Northern Cottonwood’s native range is E. Asia - southern China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines to Papua New Guinea and Australia.

More info:
Wikipedia

Report a problem

More Species in Bombax Genus

Bombax ceiba Northern Cottonwood