Banilad Tree

Description:

Sterculia ceramica is a evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall, The bole can be up to 60cm in diameter. The fruit usually has 5 seed pods, it starts out green and hard to open but as it slowly ripens, it turns red and opens. Each seed pod usually produce 2 seeds and they naturally fall into the ground or get eaten by other organisms.

Habitat:

Southeast Asia - Taiwan, Malaysia, Philippines. Also found in Madagascar. Along the seashore in the Philippines. The tree in the photo was just on the side of the road along with other native species of trees.

Notes:

The common name "banilad" can also be referred to other Sterculia sp. Fun Fact: The fruit of this tree is also the cover photo of the Plants of the Philippines mission.