31
Bombax
ceiba L.
Synonym : Salmalia malabarica (DC.)
Schott & Endl.
Family
: Bombacaceae
Local Names
: Elavu, Ilavu, Kapok tree,
Red silk cotton tree
Flowering and fruiting period: January - April
Distribution: Tropical Asia and New Guinea
Habitat: Moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests,
also in the plains
IUCN
status:
Data Deficient
Endemic:
No
Uses: Fruits, young leaf,
stem, flowers edible. The flowers
are astringent and refrigerant. They are used to treat cutaneous troubles. The
young roots are diuretic and tonic. They are used in the treatment of cholera,
tubercular fistula, coughs, urinary complaints, nocturnal pollution, abdominal
pain due to dysentery, and impotency. The leaves are hypotensive and
hypoglycaemic. The bark is reputedly used against cholera
Key
Characters:
Deciduous trees; to 45 m high; armed
with conical prickles; bark grey mottled with white. Leaves
digitately-compound, alternate; rachis swollen at base; leaflets 5-7, whorled;
elliptic,
