This tree is in full bloom in a park not far from our place.
It is tall and gloriously red at the moment.
It is tall and gloriously red at the moment.
After research I have found out it is a Bombax Ceiba or Red Silk Cotton Tree or Red Cotton Tree.
It is a tropical tree that is found in India, South China, Taiwan, Myanmar to Vietnam, Philippines to Papua New Guinea and Australia.
It is thought to originate from Southern China or Indomalaysia
It flowers in spring and intensely for about 29 days. The flowers have five petals coming from a central point.
The trunk is covered in spikes to deter animals but as the tree ages they a worn down.
The fruit of the tree are pointed wooden capsule that are filled with silky hairs. These pods crack open and are also where the seeds are found.
The leaves have about 6 leaflets radiating from a central point.
The Red Silk Cotton Tree is deciduous and flowers before it regains its foliage.
The flowers grow singularly or in clusters.
The tree is commonly known as Semal or Shimul in India and is widely planted along roads and in parks.
According to Chinese record King of Nam Yuet, Chiu To, gave a tree to the Emperor of the Han Dynasty in the 2nd Century BC
The tree is very attractive to bees and bird life as well as making a great shade tree.
The dried core of the flower is an essential ingredient of Nam Ngiao a spicy noodle soup from Shan State and Northern Thailand. The flower also has other natural medicinal qualities.
