Shaving-Brush Tree

Pseudobombax ellipticum (HBK.) Dugand

sue-dough-BOMB-bax eh-LIP-tah-come

Bombacaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name reflects similarity to Bombax. Ellipticum means elliptic and probably refers to the leaflets.

Natural range: Mesoamerica

Recognition: This tree forms a swollen succulent trunk. The deciduous palmately compound leaves have broad, elliptic leaflets. The large, showy pinkish (or white in ‘Alba’) flowers, formed during the leafless phase, are dominated by a “shaving brush” of numerous stamens.

Landscape uses: Not common in South Florida, this species is a novelty and specimen tree. With the potential to become large, specimens can be maintained container-sized. A species of dryish habitats and of poor soils. Propagate by seeds or cuttings (DAV).

Internet source: http://www.rareflora.com/bombaxellip.htm and http://www.rngr.net/Publications/ttsm/Folder.2003-07-11.4726/PDF.2004-03-16.0110/file