Pseudobombax ellipticum (Shaving Brush Tree)

Pseudobombax ellipticum, Bombax ellipticum, Shaving Brush Tree

Botanical names: Pseudobombax ellipticum, Bombax ellipticum

Common name: Shaving Brush Tree

Family: Malvaceae (Formerly:Bombacaceae)

Subfamily: Bombacoideae

Origin: Mexico and Central America

USDA Zone: 9-11?

Subtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

In habitat, it's a medium to large size tree. One of the stranger-looking of the flowering trees that is very popular for bonsai culture. May be pruned to size to make an unique indoor plant. Beautiful flowers develop from long cylindrical buds that open with a slightly explosive sound. This plant can be confused with a Turtle Shell Plant: on pictures by Brenda Bock you may see the base of the bonsai - and the turtle shell type markings. The tree is cultivated mainly for its flowers, but like other species of the genus, its fruits contain seeds with large fibers attached to the seed coat, which are used commercially.