Family: Malvaceae

Shaving brush tree is a flowering tree with an upright, open, and rounded crown.  

Dr. Hillabrand imported the first specimen in the 1800s. This magnificent specimen still thrives today, where it was planted at Queens Medical center. It is listed as an exceptional tree. In addition, most shaving brush trees are planted in parks, schools, and other public places. 

The trunk has a fantastic water-saving feature. It swells in the rainy season, then shrinks and wrinkles in dry times. Leaves are dropped in before flowering, a dramatic display of hot pink or white flowers in a leafless canopy. Blooming lasts several weeks, but each flower only lives a single day. As a result, the tree can be a bit messy with a carpet of spent flowers. The common name, shavingbrush tree, describes the flower’s appearance. As the bud pops open (it makes a sound when opening), the insignificant petals curl back like a banana peel, and the showy stamens are prominently displayed. The image is similar to the close relative, Malabar chestnut. The leaves grow back after flowering is done. They begin as a reddish color, turning green as they grow to full size. 

Native to the dry regions of Central America and Mexico, the shaving brush tree grows best on the leeward side. This tree grows in dry and rocky habitats or poor soils and is shade intolerant. The dried seeds of the white flowering plant can be eaten as a snack food. The bark is used medicinally in some cultures.

Plant Uses:

• Bonsai
• Container plant
• Edible
• Indoor plant
• Medicinal
• Ornamental
• Shade
• Specimen
• Bonzai

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers