About Pseudobombax ellipticum (Kunth) Dugand
Pseudobombax ellipticum is a deciduous tree with succulent stems. It can reach 18 meters (59 feet) in height and 1.3 meters (4 feet 3 inches) in diameter at breast height, with branches growing close to the base of its stem. Its flowers are cotton candy pink, fragrant, and become quite sticky when peeled back. Each flower features several hundred stamens that grow up to 12.5 cm (4.9 in) long. After blooming, each flower produces hundreds of tiny 0.1 mm black seeds, which germinate in approximately 30 days. This tree is native to southern Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hispaniola, Honduras, and Cuba. It has several recorded uses: its wood is used for firewood and for carving handicrafts. In Central America, its attractive flowers are used to decorate homes and churches, and a highly intoxicating drink is made from the tree. It is cultivated as an ornamental tree in Florida, Hawaii, and coastal Southern California.
