Bombax ceiba

A tropical deciduous tree that originates from Asia, where it is extremely common. The tree trunk is straight. Hard spikes, intended to repel animals, grow on the bottom part of the trunk. The tree’s appearance is beautiful, unique and characteristic, and it tends to swell in size, similarly to Brachychiton. The tree’s flowers are large and red or brown with 5 petals. The tree flowers in spring before its new leaves bloom, in an impressive and attractive display that lasts for a month and sometimes more. The tree’s pods are full of white fibers that resemble cotton, which give the tree its common name, “cotton tree.” Its roots are not invasive and will seek to grow deeper, if they can. The tree is somewhat sensitive to cold in its youth, and it will really thrive in most parts of the country, except for high mountain areas. The tree’s branches grow almost completely horizontally. To avoid their breaking and to encourage the tree to grow stronger and build a balanced frame, it is very important to professionally prune the tree in its early years, like we do in the nursery.

Interestingly, in Asia, where the tree is common, it has many uses: most parts of it are edible, and some are also used in folk medicine. Edible oil is produced from it and the fibers of the pods are used to fill pillows and blankets.