| Binomial |
Pseudobombax ellipticum (Kunth) Dugand |
| Family |
Malvaceae |
| Tamil name |
கல்இலவு (Kal Ilavu) |
| Habit |
A perennial deciduous tree confined to the tropics |
| Bark |
Rough, flaky, streaked with green in turtle shell pattern |
| Flowers |
White, linear petals that roll back tightly when in full bloom, resemble a shaving brush |
| Fruits |
Fibrous with numerous seeds |
| Flowering period |
February to March |
| Pollinators |
Bees |
| Native to Mexico |
The word “pseudo” means false and “bombax” refers to cotton. As the flowers resemble a shaving brush, the tree is named as Shaving Brush Tree. The soft fibres in the fruit are known as kapok and were used to stuff pillows and jackets in the past. The wood is used to carve handicrafts. It is mainly grown as an ornamental in Pacific islands. The attractive flowers are used for decoration in churches of Central America. The plant is also grown as a Bonsai. The toasted seeds are consumed as food. |
Go Back