Family: Bombacaceae

Defining characteristics: Native species.  About 12-30 m tall, with bark that is dark and rough.  The leaves are alternating and clustered at the ends of twigs.  Flowers are cream white and have radial symmetry.  The fruit is dry and black, 5-parted, and is filled with both hairs and seeds.

Ecological role: This tree is a pioneer species; it grows in sunny areas after there has been a fire or another disturbance.  Bats pollinate flowers at night.

Economic importance: Wood lightweight, used for rafts, boxes, insulation, and model airplanes.  Bark fibers used to make twine.  Various medicinal uses, such as a diuretic, made from preparations of the root or bark, flower decoction for colds and coughs, external emollient from young plant parts, and an emetic, from a decoction of flowers and bark.