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1.Silk Cotton Tree — Overview
Bombax ceiba, widely known as the Red Silk Cotton Tree, Malabar Kapok, or Sumal, is a grand deciduous tree native to the tropical and subtropical regions spanning Asia and northern Australia. This impressive species, a member of the Malvaceae family, can reach heights of 20-30 meters, characterized by its straight, buttressed trunk and horizontally spreading branches. The bark is typically grey-brown or silver-grey, notably adorned with sharp, conical prickles, especially when the tree is young, serving as a natural deterrent.
Its leaves are palmately compound, featuring 5-7 broad, ovate-lanceolate leaflets that radiate from a long common petiole. The most captivating feature of Bombax ceiba is its abundant, vibrant red, cup-shaped flowers, which emerge on bare branches between January and March, preceding the new foliage. These large, fleshy blossoms, sometimes appearing in yellow or orange variants, are a critical nectar source, attracting various pollinators like birds and bats.
Post-flowering, the tree develops black-brown, egg-shaped capsules, approximately 10-15 cm long. Upon ripening, these fruits burst open, releasing numerous black, oily seeds enveloped in a distinctive white, silky fiber known as kapok, historically utilized for stuffing. The tree thrives in diverse environments, from moist deciduous forests to dry tropical zones, preferring deep, alluvial soils and abundant sunlight, found at elevations up to 1500 meters across its distribution from India and Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia and China.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Bombax ceiba
1.1 Wikipedia — Bombax ceiba
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Bombax Ceiba should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Silk Cotton Tree — Key Features
- ✓ <strong>Common Name</strong> — Red Silk Cotton Tree, Malabar Kapok, Sumal.
- ✓ <strong>Scientific Name</strong> — Bombax ceiba.
- ✓ <strong>Family</strong> — Malvaceae.
- ✓ <strong>Geographic Distribution</strong> — South and Southeast Asia, Northern Australia.
- ✓ <strong>Distinctive Morphology</strong> — Buttressed trunk, sharp prickles, large red flowers.
- ✓ <strong>Traditional Medicine Systems</strong> — Ayurveda, Unani, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Siddha.
- ✓ <strong>Key Bioactivities</strong> — Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective.
- ✓ <strong>Primary Chemical Constituents</strong> — Flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, coumarins.
- ✓ <strong>Economic Uses</strong> — Kapok fiber for stuffing, timber.
- ✓ <strong>Ecological Role</strong> — Important nectar source for pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
1.2.Silk Cotton Tree — Quick Summary
- ✓ Majestic deciduous tree native to Asia and Australia, known for vibrant red flowers.
- ✓ Valued in Ayurveda, Unani, and TCM for diverse therapeutic properties.
- ✓ Exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activities.
- ✓ Rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and coumarins.
- ✓ Traditionally used for digestive issues, wounds, respiratory ailments, and skin conditions.
- ✓ Kapok fiber from fruits historically used for stuffing and insulation.
2.Silk Cotton Tree — Scientific Identity
3.Silk Cotton Tree — Quick Facts
4.Silk Cotton Tree — Appearance & Identification
5.Silk Cotton Tree — Native Habitat
6.Silk Cotton Tree — Water Requirements
- ✓ Climate Preference — Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, requiring warm temperatures year-round.
- ✓ Soil Requirements — Prefers deep, well-drained, sandy loam or alluvial soil; maximum development observed in deep alluvial soil of valleys.
- ✓ Light Exposure — Requires abundant sunlight for optimal growth and development, recognized as a fast-growing species.
- ✓ Water Needs — Tolerant of both moist and dry deciduous forest conditions, but benefits from consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
- ✓ Propagation — Primarily propagated by seeds, which are dispersed by wind from the mature fruits.
- ✓ Spacing — Given its majestic size and expansive canopy, ample space is necessary for mature trees.
- ✓ Elevation — Can be found at elevations up to 1500 meters, demonstrating adaptability to varying altitudes.
- ✓ Maintenance — Generally low maintenance once established, but young trees may require protection from pests and diseases.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 19, 2026
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