Bombax costatum

Bombax costatum
Bombax costatum in fields in Burkina Faso
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malvales
Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Bombax
Species:
B. costatum
Binomial name
Bombax costatum
Pellegr. & Vuill.

Bombax costatum is a tree usually reaching a height of 5 – 15 m. It flowers in the dry season before the leaves appear.

Distribution

Bombax costatum around Pendjari National Park in Benin

Its distribution is restricted to the savanna zones of West Africa from Senegal to the Central African Republic. It is often found on rocky hills or lateritic crusts.

Use

The calyx is used in West African cuisine as a base of sauces. Excessive harvesting of flowering branches contributes to the decline of the species.