I don't know the name of this tree, in either English or Spanish, but it has an impressive protection system. Inch-long spikes protrude from the trunk and completely cover the branches. It's a common tree in Montevideo parks and along streets. It looks like something from the Spanish inquisition.
update: Thanks to the comments I now know two names for this tree, palo borracho and floss silk tree, and learned more about it from this article in the LA Times
ouch! BAK
ReplyDeleteThe name of the tree is "palo borracho" or "drunk stick". The name originates on the shape of the tree that sometimes resembles a bottle.
ReplyDeleteIt has beautiful huge pink flowers and the fruit eventually opens releasing a very soft material that looks like cotton.
Hi, Chuck,
ReplyDeleteThere is an article in the Los Angeles Times featuring this tree. It's called a "floss silk" tree, Chorisia speciosa and how it thrives in some parts of Southern California.
Enjoy!