Volotour Greetings! Today, I Will Talk About the Kapok Tree
Red Kapok Flower – A Timeless Mark on Rural Roads
The kapok tree (Bombax ceiba), also known as the silk-cotton tree or pơ lang tree, is closely associated with the image of the Vietnamese countryside. Every March, the kapok flowers bloom vibrantly, painting the sky red and evoking childhood memories and the simple beauty of rural life.
1. Characteristics of the Kapok Tree
Tree shape: A large deciduous tree, growing 10–20 meters tall, with thorny branches.
Leaves: Compound leaves in a palmate shape, shedding in winter.
Flowers: Bright red, five-petaled, blooming in March before the leaves grow.
Fruits: When ripe, the pods split open, revealing white cotton-like fibers that help disperse the seeds by wind.
2. Distribution
The kapok tree is widely found in northern and central Vietnam, often growing along village roads, riverbanks, and near temples and pagodas.
Beyond Vietnam, it is also common in India, China, and other Southeast Asian countries.
3. Symbolism of the Kapok Flower
A symbol of March: The fiery red kapok flowers signal the transition from spring to summer.
Connection to the countryside: Often planted at village entrances, the kapok tree brings back childhood memories, kite-flying afternoons, and nostalgic stories of the past.
Spiritual significance: The kapok tree is considered sacred and is frequently found near temples and pagodas.
4. Uses of the Kapok Tree
Culinary: Kapok flowers can be used in soups and teas.
Traditional medicine: In herbal medicine, the bark and roots of the kapok tree are used for medicinal purposes.
Art & Decoration: The kapok flower appears in poetry, paintings, and folk literature.
