Showy silk cotton tree, White silk cotton tree
Bombax insigne
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A large tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 10 m high and spreads 3 m wide. The stem is erect and stout. The leaves are divided like fingers on a hand. There are 5-7 oval leaflets that taper to the tip. They are green. The flowers are bright pink to red and open with 5 petals. The fruit are brownish oblong pods.
Also put in the family Bombacaceae. In the subfamily Bombacoideae.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It needs a light, rich, moist, well-drained soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It is damaged by drought and frost.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andamans, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The roasted fruit are eaten. The flowers are used as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Fruit, flowers
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seeds. The seeds need treatment before planting.
Its other names
Local names
Didok, Didu, Gao dacbiet, Kadaung, Kloh, Pa-raik, Simal, Taung-let-pan, Tomela, Tum-peng