a couple of large Bombax ceiba, Red Silk-Cotton Trees

[Eric in Orlando]

Bombax ceiba, Red Silk-Cotton Tree, is native to SE Asia and northern Australia. It is a large tree that can develop a good sized buttress. These flower in early spring bearing large, plastic-like red flowers. Here are a couple I found growing in St. Petersburg, FL.

This first one is a very unusual specimen in that it does not have a tall trunk. It branched very low and is wide spreading. It is growing downtown SP next to the Museum of Fine Arts.

This specimen is growing over in St. Pete Beach. It is next to a surf shop a block from the beach

[carver]

The one in front of the museum is excellent, always a tourist or 2 taking a picture on one of the low lying branches.

[Pedro 65]

Its the 1st Gnarley Bombax Ive ever seen, they are usually 'straight up", this is a spectacular looking tree, look fwd to pics when its in flower, thanks for posting. Pete

[palmsnbananas]

Very pretty trees, I actually have a cousin named after them "Sumbal".

[Eric in Orlando]

  On 9/17/2013 at 12:27 AM, Pedro 65 said:

Its the 1st Gnarley Bombax Ive ever seen, they are usually 'straight up", this is a spectacular looking tree, look fwd to pics when its in flower, thanks for posting. Pete

Yes, they usually have the straight, upright trunk. There is a very unusual one at the Ringling Estate in Sarasota.

[Austinpalm]

How do these compare in cold-hardiness to Chorisia speciosa and insignis?

[Eric in Orlando]

They seem to be a bit more tender. But definitely hardier than say Delonix regia.

[Silas_Sancona]

Great picts Eric! Vividly remember encountering both of these when i lived in the area. There is also a good sized specimen id see while heading down to the beaches around Treasure Island. Besides the L.A. Arboretum, any other specimens doing well down in SoCal? -Nathan-

[Eric in Orlando]

There used to be a giant specimen at Bok Tower Garden in Lake Wales but Hurricane Charley took it out in 2004.