Family Bombacaceae, also known as the cotton family, comprises a group of trees and shrubs found in tropical regions across the globe. They are known for their showy flowers and large fruits containing numerous seeds covered in cotton-like fibers. The family includes many economically important species, including the kapok tree, used for its fiber in the textile industry, and the baobab, which is used for food, medicine, and other purposes. Synonyms for Family Bombacaceae include Malvaceae, Sterculiaceae, and Tiliaceae, all of which were previously used to classify plants now recognized as belonging to the Bombacaceae family. Regardless of their classification, these plants play important ecological and cultural roles in many regions of the world.