Kapok bush
Cochlospermum gregorii
Family: Bixaceae
What it is like
A tall shrub. It grows 3-5 m high and spreads 2-4 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are 5-15 cm long by 7-18 cm wide. The leaves are deeply divided into 5-7 segments. These are sword shaped and 5-8 cm long by 3 cm wide. The flowers occur when the plant does not have leaves. The flowers are in short clusters. The flowers are yellow and 8-10 cm across. They have 5 petals and many stamens. The fruit is an oblong capsule. It is about 7 cm long. These occur in bunches. They change from green to rusty brown. They split in sections to reveal a cottony silky interior with many seeds.
There are about 20 Cochlospermum species. Also put in the family Cochlospermaceae.
Where it is found
It suits tropical and subtropical climates. It grows in hot, dry areas. It grows on sandy and sandstone areas.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The taproot of young plants is cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Root
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.