| Common Name: |
Kapok |
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| Family: |
Bixaceaae |
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| Form and Size: |
A small tree, 3 - 8m tall; deciduous. |
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| Distribution: |
Queensland and Northern Territory in open forests and common in
coastal areas on granite ridges. |
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| Leaves: |
Deeply lobed, 5 - 7 egg-shaped or lance-shaped lobes, dark green,
smooth, 5 - 7cm x 8 - 10cm. |
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| Bark: |
Creamy-grey, smooth. |
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| Flowers: |
Bright yellow, 5 open petals, stamens red, about 10cm diameter;
borne in small terminal panicles. |
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| Flowering Period: |
August to October when the tree is leafless. |
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| Fruit: |
Capsules, egg-shaped, about 8cm long; splitting open when rile to
release black seeds embedded in cotton fibre. |
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| Cultivation/Notes: |
Propagate from seed. It needs well drained soils and a sunny position.
A very attractive tree when in flower, the flowers being held for
a considerable time. |
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