Ringling Bombax Another Sign of Spring

The giant Bombax tree on the triangle of land just south of the entrance to the Ringling Museum is blooming again. If Flame Vine defines orange, and Yellow Trumpet Trees define yellow (see earlier blogs), the petals of the Bombax define red. 

This is probably the tallest tree in the college neighborhood and is used for technical tree climbing. Since the tree blooms while leafless, the visual effect of the red blossoms is heightened. 

The species is most probably Bombax ceiba, variously known as Red Silk Cotton Tree, Bombax, and Kapok, although commercial kapok does not come from this species. Kapok was used extensively for stuffing and the term "bombastic", used for overstuffed language derives from this use.