Yellow Kapok Tree

~ Cochlospermum fraseri ~

Goojang in the Miriwoong language

BIXACEAE

These showy hibiscus-like flowers bring a sunshine presence to the dry woodlands of the stunning Top End. Packing a power punch of vitamin C, they have been used as a source of food by the First Nations People of Kakadu, Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. This plant is most active through the dry season, which for the Jawoyn People of Nitmiluk is actually divided into three seasons: Pankarrang, Malapparr and Jungalk. Read more about the seasons at jawoyn.org.au. During this time, the Kapok’s unique fruit capsules burst open and dangle like brown and cream parasols stuffed with silky cotton.

WHERE TO LOOK

The Kapok Tree grows in open eucalypt woodland, on sandstone ridges and along roadsides throughout the tropical parts of Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. It will be in a variety of soil types in the company of Turkey Bush, Woolewoorrng (Eucalyptus miniata) and Grass Trees.

Locations → NT: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park, Gulung Mardrulk and Jabiru in Kakadu National Park, and Litchfield National Park.

FEATURES

This 1–6m tall deciduous tree loses most of its large lobed leaves annually to make way for its big yellow flowers measuring 6–9cm wide. If flowers are pollinated, they will form into a 6–10cm green fruit, which matures into a hard brown pod, eventually splitting open to expose seeds woven throughout a fluffy cotton-like material (kapok).

FLOWERING SEASON

Autumn to spring → After the tree loses all of its leaves, its yellow blooms typically flower in the dry season around May to September, though they can be seen a month out on either side.

TRADITIONAL USES

According to Parks Australia and Kakadu National Park, the kapok material from the fruit has been used as a form of ceremonial decoration by the Bininj/Mungguy People of Kakadu. The flowers have been eaten cooked or raw along with the young roots from new plants, and the tree’s fibrous bark has been used to make string and paintbrushes. The tree’s seasons have been used to show when food, such as freshwater crocodile eggs, is ready for harvest. The cotton-like kapok from the fruit is also highly flammable and can be used as kindling to start fires.

PLANTING

Seeds need no special pre-treatment. Sow in a sandy soil, avoiding the colder seasons, as in their natural environment the seeds germinate at a temperature of more than 20°C. Keep moist and warm while establishing as they don’t like drought or frost.