Shaving brush tree
Pseudobombax ellipticum

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A tree that loses its leaves. It grows 15 m high and spreads 5 m wide. The stem is stout and erect. The bark is greenish. The leaves are green and have 5 large leaflets like fingers. The flowers are purple and 10 cm long. They have 5 petals that curve back. There are a cluster of silk pink stamens.

Also put in the family Bombacaceae. In the subfamily Bombacoideae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs light, well-drained soils and an open sunny position. It is damaged by drought and frost. Tasmanian Botanical Gardens Cacti house.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Central America, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, Tasmania, West Indies

How it is used for food

Seeds of the white-flowered form are eaten as a snack food.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Cabellin rojo, Flor de mota, Juanjilon, Mokok

Synonyms

Bombax ellipticum Kunth; Bombax mexicanum Hemsl.; Carolinea fastuosa Sesse ex DC;