Pseudobombax septenatum

Native to tropical Central and South America, this deciduous tree belongs to the Malvaceae family. It grows quickly in secondary lowland forests and loses its leaves as the dry season begins. The smooth green trunk can swell near its base, and mature trees can exceed 50 feet tall. Cream-colored flowers have a brush of numerous long stamens. Nectar-feeding bats visit the flowers in Colombia. Its soft wood is unsuitable for heavy construction. Photographed in the department of Bolivar, Colombia.