BOMBAX CEIBA

Botanical Name: Bombax ceiba
Common Names: Red Silk Cotton Tree, Ceiba Roja, Kapok Tree
Mature Size: 60–80 feet (18–25 meters) in height, 20–30 feet (6–9 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and clay substrates
Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but benefits from seasonal rains
Foliage: Large, palmate, bright green leaves that are shed in the dry season before flowering
Flowers: Striking, cup-shaped red to crimson flowers appearing on bare branches in late winter to spring; followed by large, capsule-like fruits containing silky fibers
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Bombax ceiba is admired for its dramatic floral display and tall, stately form, making it an exceptional specimen tree in parks, avenues, and large gardens.

Shade and Avenue Tree:
Its wide canopy and seasonal flowering make it ideal for boulevards, plazas, and open landscapes.

Cultural and Traditional Uses:
Widely valued in Asian and tropical cultures for its medicinal properties, fibers, and symbolic significance.

Benefits:

• Spectacular Flowers: Produces vibrant red blossoms that attract pollinators and create seasonal impact.

• Wildlife Value: Supports birds, bees, and insects with nectar-rich blooms; fruits provide nesting material.

• Shade Provider: Its tall, spreading canopy offers ample shade in hot climates.

• Cultural Importance: Used in traditional medicine and regarded as a sacred tree in several regions.

• Fast Establishment: Grows relatively quickly in suitable tropical and subtropical climates.

Bombax ceiba is a majestic, fast-growing tropical tree that delivers dramatic seasonal beauty with its brilliant red flowers. With its ecological value, cultural significance, and ornamental appeal, it is an excellent choice for large landscapes, parks, and avenues in warm regions.