Kapok is a kind of tropical tree found in Asia. It's also known as a cotton tree, because the plant produces large pods filled with silky cotton fiber that is historically used to make clothes and fill pillows. The flowers are reddish-orange and they bloom before any leaves appear. In China, some people make tea and porridge with dried kapok flowers. In Hainan, some kapok flowers have started to bloom, attracting many visitors. Here are some beautiful photos of kapok flowers taken by a CGTN Nature filming crew in Hainan Tropical Botanical Garden in Danzhou City, south China's Hainan Province. 

About 'Go! Hainan' series

Featuring unspoiled tropical rain forests, sandy beaches and a rich culture, Hainan Province is the southernmost island province of China. Nicknamed "China's Hawaii," Hainan is on its way to becoming a free trade port. The "Go! Hainan" livestream series takes you on a new journey to explore the fantastic island and its underwater world.

For more:

Pretty bougainvilleas bloom in Hainan, S China

Long-tailed shrike: The bird with the Zorro-style mask

Common lantana: A colorful plant that brightens any day

Hainan Eld's deer: One of the rarest deer species in China

Bleeding Heart Vines bloom in Hainan Tropical Botanical Garden

Baihualing: A beautiful rainforest with many wonders

Ethnic cultural gems in Hainan: Bamboo Dance

Ethnic cultural gems in Hainan: Li Brocade

Sea of clouds hangs over south China's Hainan Province

The magic mushroom hidden in Hainan's tropical rainforest

China-specific snail enjoys winter breeze in S China's Hainan

Useful creeping smartweed thriving in S China's Hainan

Take a look at magical plants in S China's Hainan

The talented, feathered songster in south China's Hainan Province

Bird's nest ferns in Hainan Tropical Botanical Garden

Pink woodsorrels bloom in Hainan Tropical Botanical Garden

(All photos are taken by CGTN's Qu Bo. Cover image designed by CGTN's Yu Peng) 

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)