Shaving Brush Tree (Pseudobombax ellipticum)

The Shaving Brush tree (Pseudobombax ellipticum), a native to Mexico, is a large deciduous tree which can grow up to 30-40 feet. Coveted for it’s unique brush-like flowers in late winter (often 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 show stopper bloomer.

Interestingly, this tree is suitable for bonsai treatment as well. Flowers have silky rose-pink stamens topped with yellow pollen The wood is interesting as well, showing stripping of greens, yellows, browns and white.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Tracheophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Malvales
Family : Bombacaceae
Genus : Pseudobombax
Species : Pseudobombax ellipticum

Pronunciation/Meaning:

• Pseudobombax (soo-doh-BOM-baks) - False Bombax (genus name from the Greek bombyx, silk; referring to the silken fibers).
• ellipticum (ee-LIP-tih-kum) - Elliptical, about twice as long as wide.

Common Names:

• Shaving Brush Tree

Links:

• Flowers of India - Shaving Brush Tree
• Top Tropicals - Shaving Brush Tree