Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot. Reduce watering during cooler months and if the plant is dormant.
Ensure good drainage to mimic its native arid conditions.
Also known as Gillivray's Kapok Bush · Kapokbush · Kapoktree
Cochlospermum gillivraei is a striking ornamental tree native to Australia, known for its profuse, bright yellow flowers and fluffy seed pods.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth and flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Well-drained, sandy loam
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm to hot temperatures; protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Allow excess water to drain completely to prevent root rot. Reduce watering during cooler months and if the plant is dormant.
Ensure good drainage to mimic its native arid conditions.
Prune to shape the tree and manage its size. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can be done after flowering to encourage a bushier habit.
Heavy pruning is best done in late winter before new growth begins.
Propagate from seeds sown in spring or early summer. Seeds may require scarification or soaking to improve germination rates.
Cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood in summer, but are generally more challenging to root successfully.
Repot young plants annually or every two years, and mature plants as needed, typically when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring before the active growing season commences.
Handle the root ball carefully to minimize disturbance.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cottontree (Cochlospermum gillivraei)
Where Cottontree (Cochlospermum gillivraei) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Bixaceae |
| Genus | Cochlospermum |
| Species | Cochlospermum gillivraei |
Similar in genus Cochlospermum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data