Yellow silk cotton tree, Buttercup tree, Torchwood tree
Cochlospermum religiosum
Family: Bixaceae
What it is like
A small deciduous tree. It grows about 6 m tall. The bark is fluted. It only has a few branches. The leaves are alternate and 7.5-20 cm across. They are gathered towards the ends of branches. They are divided like fingers on a hand with 3-7 lobes. These are softly hairy. The leaf stalk is 5-23 cm long. The flowers occur before the leaves. The flowers are large and golden yellow. They are 7.5-13 cm across. They occur in groups. There are 5 petals and these can be 5 cm long. They are broadly oval and notched. The fruit are pear shaped and leathery. They are 5-10 cm long and hang down. The seeds are kidney shaped. They are 0.8 cm long and covered with a silky floss. There are many seeds. These fruit capsules open when ripe and spread the seeds.
There are about 20 Cochlospermum species. Also put in the family Cochlospermaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in the sub-Himalayas up to 900 m altitude. It is resistant to drought and can tolerate forest fires. It grows in dry places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The gum is used for thickening ice cream. The seeds are roasted and eaten as a vegetable.
Edible parts
Bark - gum, seeds
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds and cuttings.
In southern India fruit are available February to April.
Its other names
Local names
Appakudukka, Bebaru, Chaor, Galgal, Ganeri, Ganglai, Gogal, Golgol, Gum kondagogu, Kongilam, Kumbi, Maha-hlega, Octu, Pahad-vel, Pohon kapuk kuning