How to distinguish between Java cotton and Kapok

1. Leaf Difference

The Java cotton tree has 5 to 9 leaflets, which are oblong-lanceolate, short and acuminate, gradually becoming pointed at the base, 5 to 16 cm long and 1.5 to 4.5 cm wide. The leaves are entire or have sparse fine serrations near the top. The leaves are glabrous on both sides and covered with white frost on the back. The petiole is 7 to 14 cm long.

The leaves of the beautiful silk cotton tree are alternate, palmately compound, with 3 to 7 leaflets, mostly 5, obovate-oblong or ovate, the middle leaflet is larger, about 7 to 14 cm long, with serrations on the upper edge, the tip of the leaves is pointed or gradually pointed, and the base is wedge-shaped.

2. Flower Differences

Most of the Java cotton flowers are clustered in the upper leaf axils. The pedicels are 2.5 to 5 cm long, sometimes solitary, and the petals are obovate-oblong, 2.5 to 4 cm long.

The flowers of the beautiful silk cotton tree are relatively large, with 1 to 3 flowers growing in the axillary or several flowers clustered at the end of the branches. They are slightly fragrant, with a cup-shaped, green calyx and 5 petals that are pink or red, with yellow or white petals with purple spots at the base, or completely white with yellow inside, and wavy and slightly curled edges.