Common Name:

General Information

Pseudobombax simplicifolium is a deciduous tree with a wide, open, umbrella-shaped crown; it can grow 4 - 7 metres tall. The long, pendulous branches reach almost down to the ground. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 45cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use of its fibre and wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - northeastern Brazil.

Habitat

Dry forests, often growing in the soil of chalky rocks[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	5.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the 'Caatinga' dry forest region of northeast Brazil. The climate is hot and dry, there are usually 6 to 11 months without rain each year. The mean annual rainfall varies from 250 - 1,000mm, and the mean annual temperature is from 24 - 26°c.
Requires a sunny position[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
Plants have a moderate rate of growth[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A strong, durable fibre is obtained from the bark[].

The seed floss is used for caulking boats, and also as a filling for pillows and mattresses[].

The wood is thick-textured, straight-grained, very light, soft, with poor mechanical properties and not durable. Of low quality, it is only used for items such as packing boxes[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A high germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 7 - 15 days[]. When the seedlings 4 - 5 true leaves, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 5 - 6 months later[].

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