Pseudobombax Ellipticum
One tree is in Kolhapur India at Town Hall Garden. Pseudobombax Ellipticum Common names are shaving brush tree and Amapola tree. Pseudobombax Ellipticum is a species of plant in the Bombacoideae-silk cotton tree family subfamily of the Malvaceae family.
Pseudobombax Ellipticum is a tree that can reach 60 ft in height and 4 feet diameter at breast height. The Shaving Brush is a large deciduous tree which can grow up to 30-40 feet. Its branches are close to the base of the stem. It is a deciduous tree with succulent stems. Pseudobombax Elipticum is native to Mexico, India, and Central America. In India, it is widely identified as Pachira Rosea.
Uses of the tree are firewood and wood for carving handicrafts. The attractive flowers are used to decorate homes and churches in Central America and a highly intoxicating drink is made from the tree. Coveted for its unique brush-like flowers in late winter (February-March), the leaves are an attraction as well. Leaves are first bright red turning a fine green as they mature with minimal water requirements; this is a fine shade tree as well as a showstopper bloomer.
This tree is suitable for bonsai treatment as well. Flowers have silky rose-pink stamens topped with yellow pollen. The wood is as well showing stripping of greens, yellows, browns, and white.
