Home PagePicture ArchivesFlora of QatarMalvaceaeBombax ceiba

Bombax ceiba L.

Synonyms

Bombax aculeatum, Bombax heptaphyllum, Bombax malabaricum, Bombax thorelii, Bombax tussacii, Gossampinus malabarica, Gossampinus rubra, Gossampinus thorelii, Melaleuca grandiflora, Salmalia malabarica

Common names

Kapok, red cotton tree, red silk-cotton

Extract from Wikipedia article

Bombax ceiba, like other trees of the genus Bombax, is commonly known as cotton tree. More specifically, it is sometimes known as red silk-cotton; red cotton tree; or ambiguously as silk-cotton or kapok, both of which may also refer to Ceiba pentandra.[+]

AI-generated Description

Bombax ceiba, also known as the Red Silk Cotton Tree, is an evergreen or deciduous tree native to tropical Asia. In Qatar, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its striking red flowers and unique seed pods. Although not native to the region, it thrives in Qatar's warm climate, often being planted in gardens, parks, and along roadsides for its aesthetic appeal. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall, with a broad, spreading canopy and showy, cup-shaped flowers that bloom from February to April, attracting pollinators and adding vibrant color to the landscape. Its adaptability to Qatar's arid conditions makes it a popular choice for landscaping, providing shade and visual interest in urban areas.

Flower of red cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) taken from Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, March 16, 2016
LinkFlower of red cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) taken from Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, March 16, 2016
Dissected flower of red cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) taken from Dahl Al Hamam Park on Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, March 16, 2016
LinkDissected flower of red cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) taken from Dahl Al Hamam Park on Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, March 16, 2016
Red cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, March 21, 2016
LinkRed cotton tree (Bombax ceiba) in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street. Doha, Qatar, March 21, 2016
Location on mapsAl Markhiya St, Doha, Qatar

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Bombax ceiba in Qatar reveal a vibrant red flower with distinctive characteristics. A flower from Dahl Al Hamam Park on Al Markhiya Street was observed to have striking features, which were further examined through dissection on March 16, 2016. The dissected flower provided a closer look at its internal structure. Additionally, the tree itself was observed in the same park on March 21, 2016, showcasing its growth and presence in the Qatari environment. The observations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in Qatar's climate, with the tree and its flowers being documented in various stages of development. These findings provide insight into the characteristics and growth patterns of Bombax ceiba in Qatar, specifically within the Dahl Al Hamam Park area.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.