The kapok is a tree, a deciduous tree belonging to the family Papilionaceae. Origin unknown, widely distributed in the tropics, Taiwan in 1645 introduced commonly planted.

Kapok can be used as medicine, the fresh fall of kapok dried in the sun, dried kapok has medicinal value, detoxification, clearing heat and cold to remove dampness, with dried kapok porridge or soup.

Kapok look characteristics

Kapok is a tall tree, the height of the tree can reach 25 meters, the trunk above the dense growth of thorns. The leaves are alternate and have very long petioles. Flowers are clustered at the top of the branches, the color of the corolla is red or orange, divided into five petals. The seeds are ovate and relatively smooth in appearance.

The bark of the cottonwood is grayish-white, and the trunks of young trees have cone-shaped thick spines. Its flowers have five strongly curved petals filled with densely packed yellow stamens, each as big as a bowl. Its fruit splits open when ripe and is filled with cotton wool, which can be used as stuffing for pillows and quilts.

Where does cottonwood grow

Cottonwood is born at an altitude of 1,400 to 1,700 meters below the dry and hot river valleys and savannahs, but also in the ravines and valleys of the monsoon rainforests, but also cultivated as a street tree. Resilient cottonwood seeds, even if the extremely harsh living environment, but also able to germinate and grow.

The origin of the cottonwood is not known, but probably originated in India. It was widely planted with immigrants in the Malay Peninsula, Indonesia, South China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. According to ancient Chinese records, Zhao Tuo, King of South Vietnam, offered a kapok tree to the Han Dynasty in the 2nd century BC.

Kapok Pictures