Yes, it is autumn and many trees are putting on their autumn leaves. But one tree here in SCalifornia is just putting out lovely pink flowers. Today I drove over to the toxic waste collection station which is located in a light industrial area probably constructed in the 1960s. At that time it appears that Silk Floss Trees (Chorisia speciosa) were very popular with landscapers, so there are many in the area. Native to Argentina and Brazil, this tree grows to 50 feet and might spread as wide. They are not particularly good street trees as the roots will lift pavements in a very few years.
The flowers are very pretty and on different trees range from palest pink to almost burgundy. I have never noticed any fragrance.
As the petals fall large football shaped seed pods are formed and grow up to a foot long. Inside, the seeds are cushioned in soft, white, silky fibers that in their native country are sometimes used as filling for cushions and quilts. Aha, that is the quilt connection!
The mature limbs and the trunk of the tree are covered with fat thorns that can be as long as an inch on the older wood. Some people think this is one of the most beautiful trees in the world. I understand they are also grown in this country in Florida.
My dead battery box is empty and I am feeling very virtuous!
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