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Description
Bombax Costatum, also known as the Red-Flowered Silk-Cotton Tree, is a majestic tree native to West Africa. It belongs to the family Malvaceae and can grow up to 40 meters tall. The tree is known for its large and showy red flowers that bloom during the dry season, which attracts a variety of pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Bombax |
Appearance
The Bombax Costatum is a deciduous tree with a thick, greyish bark. Its leaves are large and green, with a heart-shaped base and a pointed tip. The tree produces large, showy red flowers that can be up to 15 centimeters in diameter. The flowers grow in clusters and are followed by woody, egg-shaped fruits that contain numerous seeds embedded in a cotton-like material.
Care Guide
To grow a healthy Bombax Costatum, follow these care tips:- Water: The tree prefers regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, it can tolerate some drought.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.- Soil: The tree prefers well-draining, fertile soil. It can grow in different soil types but does not tolerate waterlogged soil.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Bombax Costatum is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Bombax Costatum is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by:- Mealybugs: These pests suck sap from the tree and can cause leaf drop and stunted growth.- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes leaf spots, defoliation, and cankers.
Habitat
The Bombax Costatum is native to West Africa and can be found in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. It grows in lowland and submontane forests, savannas, and grasslands. The tree prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate some drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Bombax Costatum be grown in a container?
A: It is not recommended to grow Bombax Costatum in a container as the tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and has an extensive root system.
Q: How long does it take for Bombax Costatum to bloom?
A: Bombax Costatum blooms during the dry season, which varies depending on the region. It can take several years for the tree to reach maturity and produce flowers.
Q: Can Bombax Costatum tolerate frost?
A: No, Bombax Costatum is not frost-tolerant and should be grown in frost-free areas.
Q: Can Bombax Costatum be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Bombax Costatum can be propagated from cuttings, but it is not a common method of propagation. The tree is usually propagated from seeds.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Bombax Costatum:- Bombax Ceiba- Ceiba Pentandra- Adansonia Digitata- Delonix Regia- Tabebuia Impetiginosa
References
– “Bombax Costatum.” Useful Tropical Plants. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Bombax+costatum- “Bombax Costatum: Red-Flowered Silk-Cotton Tree.” World Agroforestry Centre. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/AFTPDFS/Bombax_costatum.pdf- “Red-Flowered Silk-Cotton Tree (Bombax Costatum).” PlantZAfrica. https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/bombaxcostatum.htm
