Bombax ceiba

Botanical name: Bombax ceiba

Common Name: Red silk cotton tree

Habit

• Deciduous tree
• Large
• Fast growing
  
  

Specific Properties

• Umbrella species in dry deciduous forests
• Pioneer species
  
  

Ecology

• Birds, mammals, reptiles, insects use it for shelter and roosting
• Mammals, birds, bees, bats and insects feed on flowers, fruits, bark and seeds
• Birds visit tree for stored water within the cup of flower
• It is preferred nesting site for many species of conservation concern like Vultures, Eagles and Storks
• Preferred plant by Rock Bees for hives
  
  

Uses

• Roots, leaves, flowers are used as medicines
• Flowers and buds are eaten as vegetable
• Tender leaves are eaten as vegetable
• seed floss is used as a stuffing material for pillows, life jackets
• Fibre from bark is used to make ropes
• Oil from the seed is used to make soap, in lamps
• Gum
• Timber
  
  

Propagation

• Seeds