Bixaceae
Cochlospermum religiosum
Buttercup tree
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This small to medium deciduous tree, growing up to 7.5 meters tall, is native to tropical Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It features deeply grooved, greyish bark and large, bright yellow, buttercup-shaped flowers, approximately 10 cm across, that bloom profusely on leafless branches. Following flowering, brown, oval capsules develop, which split open to reveal seeds encased in a silky, cotton-like floss.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in full sun, this ornamental tree is suitable for specimen planting in a Kilifi-coast garden. It prefers well-drained, even stony soils and needs ample space to accommodate its spreading habit. Its drought tolerance makes it a good choice for hotter, drier areas.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species, the Buttercup tree is highly drought-tolerant once established, though young plants benefit from regular watering during dry periods, avoiding overwatering. It can be easily propagated from branch cuttings during wet weather. Caution should be exercised as its shallow root system and brittle branches make it susceptible to strong winds.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, monaconatureencyclopedia.com, acrest.com.my, rajasthan.gov.in, flowersofindia.net, youtube.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.