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.)