Around us, there are many tree species whose morphology is very similar to that of the kapok tree, but they are little known. This article will take you to explore these tree species, providing a detailed introduction to them from multiple perspectives such as morphology and distribution.
1. Redleaf Photinia
Redleaf Photinia, also known as Hongcaoshan, is a common subtropical tree. It has a sturdy trunk, lush branches and leaves, and grows very tall. Its leaves are also special, being long and strap-shaped with serrated edges. Like the kapok tree, the flowers of Redleaf Photinia are also very vibrant, showing a rich red color.
2. Redbud
Redbud is a common garden tree and also a legume. Its leaves are pinnately compound, and the flowers are a rich purple or white. Its trunk is gray with a smooth surface. Like the kapok tree, Redbud also has high ornamental value.
3. Dragon Juniper
Dragon Juniper is a common garden tree and also a pine family plant. It has a sturdy trunk, reddish-brown bark, and lush branches and leaves. The leaves are conical, and the flowers are pale yellow. The posture of the Dragon Juniper is very similar to that of the kapok tree, but its branches are denser.
4. Banyan Tree
The Banyan Tree is a common tree and also a mulberry family plant. It has a sturdy trunk, lush branches and leaves, and can grow into a very large tree. The leaves of the Banyan Tree are obovate, with a smooth and glossy surface. The flowers of the Banyan Tree are spherical, colored yellow-green or purplish-red. Like the kapok tree, the Banyan Tree also has high ornamental value.
5. Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle is a common small tree and also a crape myrtle family plant. Its flowers are pale purple or white, its branches are arched, and its leaves are heart-shaped or ovate. Like the kapok tree, Crape Myrtle also has very beautiful flowers and is one of the best ornamental plants.
6. Yellow Plum
Yellow Plum is a common subtropical tree and also an ash family plant. Its trunk is straight, forming a conical crown. The leaves are ovate or oblong, and the flowers are white or pale yellow. Like the kapok tree, the Yellow Plum also has very beautiful flowers, but the color is softer than that of the kapok tree.
7. Banana Shrub
Banana Shrub is a common shrub or small tree and also a legume. Its flowers are a rich red or pink, and its leaves are pinnately compound. The Banana Shrub has an elegant form and is very suitable as an ornamental plant.
8. Royal Poinciana
Royal Poinciana is a common tree and also a palm family plant. It has a sturdy trunk, lush branches and leaves, and can grow into a very large tree. The flowers of Royal Poinciana are a brilliant red or orange, and the leaves are pinnately compound. The posture of Royal Poinciana is very similar to that of the kapok tree, but its flowers are more brilliant than those of the kapok tree.
9. Scholar Tree
Scholar Tree is a common large tree and also a legume. It has a sturdy trunk, lush branches and leaves, and grows very tall. The leaves of the Scholar Tree are pinnately compound, and the flowers are pale yellow. Like the kapok tree, the Scholar Tree is also a very suitable plant for street planting.
10. Trumpet Creeper
Trumpet Creeper is a common shrub or small tree and also a legume. Its flowers are purple or white, and its leaves are pinnately compound. The Trumpet Creeper has an elegant form and very beautiful flowers, making it very suitable as an ornamental plant.
11. Yellow Wax Tree
Yellow Wax Tree is a common subtropical tree and also a sumac family plant. Its flowers are yellow or pale yellow, and its leaves are long elliptical. The Yellow Wax Tree has an elegant form and very beautiful flowers, making it a very suitable ornamental plant for courtyards or parks.
12. Redbud Flower
Redbud Flower is a common garden shrub and also a legume. Its flowers are a rich purple or white, and its leaves are trifoliate. The Redbud Flower has an elegant form and very beautiful flowers, making it a very suitable ornamental plant for courtyards or parks.
13. Camphor Tree
Camphor Tree is a common subtropical tree and also a laurel family plant. It has a sturdy trunk, lush branches and leaves, and grows very tall. The leaves of the Camphor Tree are long and elliptical, and the flowers are pale yellow. Like the kapok tree, the Camphor Tree also has high ornamental value.
14. Golden Weeping Elm
Golden Weeping Elm is a common Asian deciduous tree and also a birch family plant. It has a sturdy trunk, leaves that are obovate or elliptical, and flowers that are pale yellow. The posture of the Golden Weeping Elm is very similar to that of the kapok tree, but its leaf and flower colors are softer than those of the kapok tree.
15. Osmanthus
Osmanthus is a common subtropical small tree and also a laurel family plant. Its flowers are a rich white or yellow, and its leaves are ovate or long elliptical. The Osmanthus has an elegant form and very beautiful flowers, making it a very suitable ornamental plant for courtyards or parks.
Through this article, we can learn about many tree species that are similar to the kapok tree. These tree species are not only similar to the kapok tree in morphology but also have high ornamental value, making them excellent garden plants.