Chorisia speciosa, the silk floss tree

This South American tree, Chorisia speciosa has a brilliant display of pink, lily-like flowers. It blooms best during the month of October, adding a touch of color at a time when most blooms are fading. The trunk is stout, green in color and armed with thick, heavy spines. The fruit is a large pod appearing in spring. When the pod opens it emits a cotton like material. The cotton is used as stuffing material like pillows.