Cochlospermum regium (Mart. & Schrank) Pilg. 1924, commonly called Yellow Cotton Tree or Buttercup Tree, in Thailand called Fai Kham or Supanika, is a flowering tree endemic to tropical America.

The Cochlospermum regium tree has been introduced to Northern Thailand about 50 years ago, where it became a very popular ornamental plant. Whilst the up to about 8 meters high tree starts blooming in late winter, it drops all its leaves. The English names yellow cotton tree or buttercup tree are a bit confusing, because they are mostly used for Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston, which is native to India, but has much simpler flowers. The impressive orange-yellow flowers get a size of about 15 cm in diameter and are widely used for floral decorations and as offerings, especially for the Hindu god Ganesha (Ganesh). The dried flower petals are used as a tonic medicine to increase health and strenght. Cochlospermum regium is “Flower of the Region” in the Thai provinces (Changwat) Saraburi, Buri Ram and Uthai Thani.

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

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