NAME: Pseudobombax ellipticum (K. Kunth) A. Dugand Sy = Bombax ellipticum K. Kunth

PLANT FAMILY: Bombacaceae

COMMON NAME: cotton tree

APERTURATION: Tricolporate

ORNAMENTATION: Reticulate

POLLINATION SYNDROME: Anemophilous and Entomophilous

SIZE: SHAPE: Triangular in polar outline

FLOWERING DATE: February - March in Texas

NOTES: This species is native to Mexico. It occurs only in the subtropical regions of the United States as a horticultural plant. It is sensitive to cold and will freeze in sever winters. The flowers have exserted stamen indicating it is Anemophilous (wind pollinated). However, it is visited by honeybees and other insects.

The pollen grain's aperture is shown in the micrograph. The "lips" are the colpus, and the "teeth" are the pore. The "eyes" are debris that accidentally stuck to the pollen grain.