Kingdom Plantae Family Malvaceae Scientific name Bombax costatum | Order Malvales Genus Bombax Rank Species | |
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Similar Bombax buonopozense, Combretum glutinosum, Lannea microcarpa, Pterocarpus erinaceus, Bombax | ||
Bombax costatum is a tree usually reaching a height of 5 - 15 m. It is flowering in the dry season before the leaves appear.
Contents
Distribution
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.
References
Bombax costatum Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA