Description

This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)

Pseudobombax Ellipticum (False Bombax), owns its resemblance to the true bombax (kapok) tree, Ceiba Pentandra. The shaving brush tree can reach a height of about 50 feet in nature; it is low branching and typically swollen at the base.

Furthermore, the trunk is succulent with smooth, green to gray bark and branching is highly irregular and as a result the crown is open and of varied shape. Also, leaves have long stems, are palamately compound with 5 leaflets, each up to 6 inches long; new leaves are a burgundy color. After leaf fall, flowers appear. Flowers have long stems, with individual white to pink blooms 1/2 – 1 inch wide with a group of brush-likestamens. Additionally, fruits are long capsules containing numerous seeds, which are wind dispersed. The tree propagates from seed or cuttings.

In fact deeds are toasted and eaten while leaves and bark used in traditional medicine. The wood is perfect to carve dishes or for fuelwood. And the fibers in the fruit are for stuffing pillows and mattresses.

Also, Pseudobombax Ellipticum (False Bombax) prefers good soil with regular watering, the tree will grow large; if potted and pruned it can be maintained to a height of about 3 feet. The shaving brush tree in an attractive and interesting specimen or accent tree in large gardens and parks and it provides good shade, and can be grown indoors. It can also be grown in a xerophytic garden.