Cochlospermum regium (Mart. & Schrank) Pilg. Supanika

The Cochlospermum regium (Mart. & Schrank) Pilg.,
in Thailand called Fai Kham or Supanika,
is a tree endemic to the tropical America.
The Cochlospermum regium tree has been introduced
to Northern Thailand about 50 years ago,
where it is a very popular plant nowadays.
While the until 12 meter high tree starts blooming in winter time,
he drops all his leaves.
The english names yellow cotton tree or buttercup tree are a bit confusing,
because they are mostly used for the Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston,
which is native to India, but has much simpler flowers.

© Orchids-Flowers.com
Image: Cochlospermum regium (Mart. & Schrank) Pilg.
Photographer: Anuparp Ratanakhon

The beautiful, yellow Cochlospermum regium flowers are widely used for decoration,
the dried flower petals are used as a tonic medicine
to increase health and strenght.
The Cochlospermum regium is also “Flower of the Region”
in the Thai provinces (Changwat) Saraburi, Buri Ram and Uthai Thani.

© Orchids-Flowers.com
Image: Cochlospermum regium (Mart. & Schrank) Pilg.
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee