Pseudobombax tomentosum

Pseudobombax tomentosum
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Malvales
Family:	Malvaceae
Genus:	Pseudobombax
Species:	P. tomentosum
Binomial name
	Pseudobombax tomentosum; (Mart. & Zucc.) A.Robyns
Synonyms[1]
	Bombax martianum K. Schum; Bombax martianum subsp. guaraniticum Hassl.; Carolinea tomentosa Mart. & Zucc.; Pachira tomentosa (Mart. & Zucc.) Endl. ex Walp.;

Pseudobombax tomentosum is a species of deciduous tree native to South America.

Description

Pseudobombax tomentosum is found along the edges of forests in a clumped pattern. It branches horizontally and usually the ends of these branches are in contact with the canopy of the forest. Flowering occurs after leaves fall, in the dry season. The flowers are located at the end of the branches, erect or slightly inclined. The flowers range from 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 in) in diameter, and are predominately white. The receptacle, perianth, and stamens form a chamber where nectar gathers. The pistil of the flower is erect and the stigma is localized 4 cm (1.6 in) above the anthers. The stamens and pistils are strong yet flexible. Flowers are only functional for a single night.[2]

Habitat and ecology

Pseudobombax tomentosum is present on the outskirts of forests or roads in Brazil and Paraguay in South America.[1][3]

The large and rigid structure of the tree's flowers, combined with the flower's placement on the ends of branches and the chamber for nectar favors pollination by medium-sized mammals such as Caluromys as well as various bats. The plant is predominately pollinated by bats, but the species Caluromys lanatus frequents the tree in its native habitat as the placement and infrequency of flowers favors the movement of marsupials from one tree to another.[2]

Human use

As the wood of the tree is not very durable, it is used in low value goods such as toys, boxes, or wooden shoes. The fibers of the bark are used to make thread for filling cushions or to make light felt. The tree is occasionally used for landscaping or as an ornamental.[1]

References

M.M. Grandtner, Julien Chevrette (2013). South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Dictionary of Trees. 2. Academic Press. pp. 542–543. ISBN 9780123969545.
Gribel, Rogerio (1988). Visits of Caluromys Lanatus (Didelphidae) to Flowers of Pseudobombax Tomentosum (Bombacaceae): A Probable Case of Pollination by Marsupials in Central Brazil. 20. Biotropica. pp. 344–347. JSTOR 2388329.
Charles W. Heckman (1998). The Pantanal of Poconé: Biota and Ecology in the Northern Section of the World’s Largest Pristine Wetland. Monographiae Biologicae. 77 (illustrated ed.). Springer Science & Business Media. p. 161. ISBN 9780792348634.

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[Dictionary-1] M.M. Grandtner, Julien Chevrette (2013). South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Dictionary of Trees. 2. Academic Press. pp. 542–543. ISBN 9780123969545.

[Visits-2] Gribel, Rogerio (1988). Visits of Caluromys Lanatus (Didelphidae) to Flowers of Pseudobombax Tomentosum (Bombacaceae): A Probable Case of Pollination by Marsupials in Central Brazil. 20. Biotropica. pp. 344–347. JSTOR 2388329.

[3] Charles W. Heckman (1998). The Pantanal of Poconé: Biota and Ecology in the Northern Section of the World’s Largest Pristine Wetland. Monographiae Biologicae. 77 (illustrated ed.). Springer Science & Business Media. p. 161. ISBN 9780792348634.