cottontree

Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston

Cochlospermum religiosum is a flowering plant in the Bixaceae family, native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It is a small tree that grows up to 7.5 m tall and is commonly found in dry deciduous forests. The species is known for its yellow, buttercup-like flowers, which are used as temple offerings, and for its fluffy seed capsules resembling kapok. It is also referred to as the silk-cotton tree or buttercup tree.

Description

Cochlospermum religiosum is a small tree species native to regions including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. It is commonly found in dry deciduous forest habitats. The plant is distinguished by its bright yellow, buttercup-like flowers and seed capsules with a cotton-like substance. The specific epithet was originally spelled 'religiosa' in the protologue. The species has been recorded in the literature since 1753 under the name B. religiosum L., later reclassified as C. religiosum (L.) Alston in 1931.