Bombax ceiba L.: The Malabar silk-cotton Tre

Bombax ceiba L., commonly known as the Malabar silk-cotton tree, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree belonging to the Malvaceae family. Native to South and Southeast Asia, it is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Ecologically, B. ceiba plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity. The tree holds immense cultural, medicinal, and economic significance. In traditional medicine, various parts of the tree like bark, roots, flowers, and gum-are used to treat ailments such as diarrhoea, wounds, and respiratory issues due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.  Despite of its ecological and economic importance, B. ceiba faces threats from habitat loss and overexploitation. This chapter highlights the significance of B. ceiba in various aspects.