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| Ceiba Bombasea South Florida Tropical Garden Trees, Flowering Exotics Botanical Art Designed by Artist Ana Bikic |
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Ceiba Bombasea
Add a Tropical Marvel to Your Florida Garden: Meet Bombax ceiba
If you're looking to add a dramatic, exotic flair to your Florida garden, the Bombax ceiba, also known as the Red Silk Cotton Tree, is a showstopper that delivers on both beauty and legacy. With its towering height, striking scarlet blooms, and cultural richness, this tropical deciduous tree is as much a conversation piece as it is a pollinator magnet. Adaptable to Florida’s climate and soil, it provides a bold, architectural element that can turn any landscape into a botanical spectacle.
Botanical Information
Scientific Name: Bombax ceiba
Common Names: Red Silk Cotton Tree, Kapok tree, Semal (India), Malabulak (Philippines)
Family: Malvaceae (formerly Bombacaceae)
Place of Origin: Native to tropical Asia, particularly India, Southeast Asia, Southern China, and Northern Australia
USDA Growing Zones
Zones: 10–11 can be grown in South Florida and other frost-free areas
In colder parts of Florida, it can be grown in large containers and overwintered indoors or in greenhouses.
Care Requirements
Soil Type: Well-draining soil; tolerates loam, sandy, or clay soils
pH Preference: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5)
Water:
Drought-tolerant once established but prefers moderate watering during the growing season.
Avoid waterlogged conditions. Young trees benefit from consistent moisture.
Light:
Sun Requirements: Full sun; requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and growth.
Temperature:
Sensitive to frost; thrives in warm, humid conditions typical of South Florida
Deciduous in cooler months, shedding its leaves before flowering in spring
Fertilization:
Benefits from a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer
Organic compost improves vigor and flowering
Ornamental and Landscape Use:
Visual Appeal: Known for its massive trunk, thorny bark, and vivid, cup-shaped red flowers that bloom on bare branches
Height: Can reach 60–80 feet in ideal conditions
Best Used As: An Ornamental statement or specimen tree in large landscapes; attracts birds and pollinators.
Cultural and Historical Significance
In India, Bombax ceiba is deeply symbolic. It's associated with war and strength in some epics, and its flowering marks the arrival of spring festivals like Holi.
In Chinese culture, the tree (known as 木棉 "mùmián") is the official city flower of Guangzhou and symbolizes heroism.
The tree’s fibers were historically used for stuffing pillows and life jackets, much like kapok.
Its flowers and bark feature in traditional Buddhist and Hindu iconography and rituals.
Medicinal Uses
In Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), various parts of the Bombax tree are used medicinally:
Bark: Used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and skin issues
Flowers: Believed to be cooling, astringent, and anti-inflammatory; used in teas and decoctions
Roots and gum: Employed for wound healing and urinary tract infections.
Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds; studies suggest potential for diabetes management and liver health.
Additional Uses
Fiber: The silky fibers from the seed pods (often confused with kapok) are used for cushioning and insulation.
Wood: Soft and light; used for matches, plywood, and crates in local industries.
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