BOMBAX MALABARICA Meaning and
Definition
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Bombax malabaricum is a species of tropical tree that belongs to the family Malvaceae. Commonly known as the silk cotton tree, red silk cotton tree, or Indian kapok tree, it is native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. The species name, malabaricum, refers to the Malabar Coast in southwestern India where it was first discovered.
This large deciduous tree typically reaches heights of 20 to 30 meters and has a straight, cylindrical trunk covered in grayish-brown bark. Its leaves are palmately compound, with five to seven leaflets that are elliptical in shape and have serrated edges. During the flowering season, the tree produces strikingly beautiful scarlet or orange-red flowers with long red stamens, which appear before its leaves. These flowers give rise to large, pear-shaped fruit capsules filled with cotton-like fibers that are dispersed by wind after they split open.
Bombax malabaricum is highly valued for its timber, which is lightweight, yet strong and durable, making it suitable for construction and making canoes. Furthermore, various parts of the tree are utilized for their medicinal properties in traditional systems of medicine. The bark, leaves, and flowers are known to possess anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective properties.
Due to its striking appearance and ecological significance, Bombax malabaricum is also planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and along avenues. Its ability to attract birds and butterflies adds to its allure, making it an eye-catching addition to any landscape.
Common Misspellings for BOMBAX MALABARICA
- vombax malabarica
- nombax malabarica
- hombax malabarica
- gombax malabarica
- bimbax malabarica
- bkmbax malabarica
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- b0mbax malabarica
- b9mbax malabarica
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- bojbax malabarica
- bomvax malabarica
- bomnax malabarica
- bomhax malabarica
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- bombzx malabarica
- bombsx malabarica
Etymology of BOMBAX MALABARICA
The word Bombax Malabarica is actually a Latin scientific name, commonly known as the Red Silk Cotton Tree or Semal.
The etymology can be broken down as follows:
1. Bombax: The term Bombax originates from the Latin word bombax or bombyx, which means silk or silkworm. This is in reference to the tree's fiber, which has a cotton-like texture.
2. Malabarica: Malabarica refers to the Malabar region, which is located on the southwest coast of India. The tree is native to this region and is widely found there.
So, the name Bombax Malabarica essentially means silk cotton tree from Malabar.
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