Bombax ceiba L., Sp. Pl. 1: 511 (1753).
The calyces with accompanying stamens, 2-4 cm wide, of the Indian kapok or red cottontree are known as “sem pods” in the potpourri trade. The flowers are short-lived, and as they are pollinated, they abort to drop on the ground below. In Burma and nearby regions, these are harvested and prepared as a vegetable curry.
Bombax ceiba is native to China, Indo-China, India, and Australia.
Malvaceae, also placed in Bombacaceae
Authors: A.O. Tucker, A.J. Redford, J.L. Scher, M.D. Trice
Last updated: January 2020
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