Bombacaceae

Bombax is from the Greek word for cotton, alluding to the fibres within the capsule attached to the seeds. Trees usually deciduous, often with spines on the trunk, which may also be swollen as in the baobab (Adansonia); bark fibrous, exudate mucilaginous. Leaves are alternate, palmately lobed or compound. Flowers usually brightly coloured, the 5 petals are fused at the base. Copious nectar often present which is known to ferment and sometimes results in drunken birds. Ovary superior with 5 locules; fruit dehiscent or indehiscent; numerous seeds embedded in a cottony mass. Durian is in this family.