BOMBAX malabaricum

Decidous tree with a straight tall trunk and compounded pale green leaves 50cm long. Red silky flowers with 5 petals appear in the spring before the new foliage.

Prefers a well-drained soil in an open sunny position, drought and frost tender.

Native to South East Asia.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C.

1. Soak seed overnight in warm water.
2. Sow on the surface and cover lightly. Do not bury seed deeply as they require a degree of light to germinate.
3. Keep warm & moist but not wet.
4. Germination should occur in 14-28 days @ 18-22°C.

General note: Seeds of many plants are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.