''Pseudobombax tomentosum'' is a species of

deciduous In the fields of horticulture and Botany, the term ''deciduous'' () means "falling off at maturity" and "tending to fall off", in reference to trees and shrubs that seasonally shed leaves, usually in the autumn; to the shedding of petals, ...

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 in diameter, and are predominantly white. The receptacle,

perianth The perianth (perigonium, perigon or perigone in monocots) is the non-reproductive part of the flower, and structure that forms an envelope surrounding the sexual organs, consisting of the calyx (sepals) and the corolla ( petals) or tepals when ...

, and stamens form a chamber where nectar gathers. The pistil of the flower is erect and the stigma is localized above the anthers. The stamens and pistils are strong yet flexible. Flowers are only functional for a single night.

Habitat and ecology

''Pseudobombax tomentosum'' is present on the outskirts of forests or roads in Brazil and Paraguay in South America. 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 predominantly 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

marsupial Marsupials are any members of the mammalian infraclass Marsupialia. All extant marsupials are endemic to Australasia, Wallacea and the Americas. A distinctive characteristic common to most of these species is that the young are carried in a ...

s from one tree to another.

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.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q15381063 tomentosum