Bombax costatum
| Bombax costatum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Bombax costatum in fields in Burkina Faso | |
Scientific 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
[edit]
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
[edit]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.