The Red Silk Cotton Tree ( Bombax ceiba ) is a fast growing, deciduous tree that is native to tropical southeast Asian countries including India; Malaysia; Myanmar; Thailand; Vietnam and China. The species is a large tree and is one of the few deciduous, flowering species that will grow in tropical climates. The Red Silk Cotton tree is stunning while in bloom in Spring, with its bright red flowers.
Many parts of Bombax ceiba are edible and are used in well-known Asian dishes, the plant is also widely used in traditional medicines.
There are so many common names for this species, that they are too numerous to list; each country/culture has their own special name for this tree, Indian culture alone has almost 40 known names. Here are some of the ones you are more likely to hear in Australia .. Malabar Silk Cotton Tree, Cotton Tree; Bombax; Kapuk and Kapok (not to be confused with Ceiba pentandra; who’s common name is the Kapok Tree).
Growth
Bombax ceiba is fast growing, especially for the first few years and can get to average heights of 25 metres with a canopy of up to 18 metres. Its spectacular bright red, star shaped flowers bloom in spring and its palmate leaves have around five-seven leaves growing from its central point, making them look a bit like umbrella plant leaves. This species is deciduous, and its leaves do not usually start appearing again until flowering is coming to an end.
The young trunk of the Red Silk Cotton tree has spines, that are a protective mechanism against wildlife damaging the young tree, however as the wood matures it becomes smoother.
Although native to tropical areas, it can be successfully grown in warmer temperate regions but will need protection from frost, which it is not tolerant of. We recommend taking this plant indoors or keeping it in a covered area that is protected from frosts and cold winds for the first couple of years. It is tolerant to temperatures down to -3°C when dormant (as an established tree) but new growth will be killed by frosts.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Malvaceae
CLIMATE:
Warm Temperate (extra care), Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 42°C / 41 to 107°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, well-draining soil
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 25 metres (82 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 18 metres (60 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous, Flowering Tree
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium. Drought tolerant once established.
POLLINATION:
Bees. Bisexual Flower
MATURITY:
5-10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks, dependent on conditions.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium – Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
6
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT BOMBAX CEIBA
Although Silk Cotton Trees average 20 metres in height, in their natural habitat in wet tropical rainforest, they reach up to 60 metres.
In China, it is not uncommon to see people picking the flowers of this species off the ground, which can be used to make a tea or soup.
Spikes on the stem can be ground and applied to the face for treatment against acne.
