![Wittelsbachia insignis = Cochlospermum regium Nova genera et species plantarum. Monachii [Munich] :Impensis Auctoris,1824-1829 [i.e. 1824-32].. biodiversitylibrary.org/page/741983](https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/62/Flickr_-_BioDivLibrary_-_n55_w1150_%281%29.jpg/1280px-Flickr_-_BioDivLibrary_-_n55_w1150_%281%29.jpg)
Yellow cotton tree
Cochlospermum regium, family Bixaceae
A small tree with vivid yellow flowers from South America's tropical savanna
Yellow cotton tree is a small tree native to the Cerrado, the tropical savanna of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Its large yellow blossoms are valued for their beauty and are used as emblems in parts of Thailand, where the tree is now widely grown.
- Native to the Cerrado savanna of Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay
- Known for its large, bright yellow flowers
- Official provincial flower in several regions of Thailand
- Commonly grown in Southeast Asian gardens
- Flowers have antioxidant properties
What does Yellow cotton tree look like?
The yellow cotton tree is a small tree that produces large, bright yellow flowers. These blossoms stand out against its branches, especially when the tree is in full bloom. The flowers are showy and often appear before the leaves, creating a striking display. The tree itself is modest in size and is grown both in the wild and in gardens for its ornamental value.
Where does Yellow cotton tree come from?
This tree comes from the Cerrado, a vast tropical savanna region in Brazil, and is also found in neighboring Bolivia and Paraguay. Over time, it has been introduced to Southeast Asia, where it has become a familiar sight in gardens and public spaces, especially in Thailand. Its spread beyond South America is due to its attractive flowers and adaptability to new climates.
When and how Yellow cotton tree blooms
Yellow cotton trees bloom with their vivid yellow flowers, often before the new leaves appear. They thrive in warm, open areas typical of savanna climates. In cultivation, they are usually grown from seeds and prefer well-drained soils. The tree is suited to both wild landscapes and cultivated gardens, where it is planted for its decorative flowers.
How Yellow cotton tree is used
In Thailand, the yellow cotton tree is chosen as the official flower for several provinces, and its flowers are appreciated for their bright color in gardens and public spaces. In its native range, the tree is part of the natural savanna landscape. The flowers are also noted for their antioxidant properties, though they are mainly valued for their appearance.
Kinds of Yellow cotton tree
There are no widely noted varieties or cultivars of this species in the sources. The tree is known for its consistent yellow blossoms and is recognized under different names in Portuguese and Thai.
What Yellow cotton tree means
The yellow cotton tree holds special status in Thailand, where it represents several provinces. Its bright flowers are a symbol of local pride and are used in official emblems. In South America, it is one of the characteristic plants of the Cerrado ecosystem. The tree’s flowers are also recognized for their antioxidant content.
Questions people ask about Yellow cotton tree
Where does the yellow cotton tree come from?
It is native to the Cerrado, a tropical savanna region in Brazil, and also grows in Bolivia and Paraguay.
What does the yellow cotton tree look like?
It is a small tree with large, vivid yellow flowers that often bloom before the leaves appear, making the blossoms stand out.
How is the yellow cotton tree used in Thailand?
In Thailand, this tree serves as the official flower for several provinces and is planted for its decorative value.
Does the yellow cotton tree have any special properties?
Its flowers are noted for containing antioxidants, though they are mainly grown for their appearance.
What does the yellow cotton tree symbolize?
In Thailand, it is a symbol of provincial identity and pride, as it is the emblem flower for multiple provinces.
Good reading and sources
- IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesIUCN Red List, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Cochlospermum regium on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Cochlospermum regium", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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