Cochlospermum religiosum | Dried Botanical ID

Name and publication

Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston in Trimen, Handb. Fl. Ceylon 6: 14 (1931).

Description

Sections of the capsules of the silk-cottontree are known as “melon pods” in the potpourri trade. While this septicidal capsule has five locules, they usually break apart when used in potpourri and are 6-10 cm long x 2-4 cm wide.

Nativity and distribution

Cochlospermum religiosum is native to India and Myanmar. The tree yields bassora gum, a substitute for gum tragacanth.

Family

Bixaceae, also placed in Cochlospermaceae

fruit sections; photo © The Lebermuth Company, Inc.	fruit section; photo by Lyndon Photography
fruit sections, inner surface; photo by Christina Southwick	fruit section, inner surface; photo by Lyndon Photography
fruit sections, outer surface; photo by Christina Southwick	fruit section, outer surface; photo by Lyndon Photography
fruit section, close-up; photo by Christina Southwick	fruit section, close-up; photo by Christina Southwick
fruit section; photo by Christina Southwick	fruit section, close-up; photo by Christina Southwick