Kapok, Silk-Cotton-Tree

Ceiba pentandra L.

SAY-bah pen-TAN-dra

Bombacaceae

Explanation of name:  Ceiba is an ancient Mesoamerican name for the tree. Penandra means with five anthers.

Natural range:  Tropical America

Recognition: Huge tree with spiny trunk. Leaflets entire-margined. Flowers small (1.5” diam.), radially symmetrical, white to pink-salmon, numerous.  Pod a 5-valved capsule filled with kapok

Landscape uses:  Potentially a very large specimen tree.  Deciduous in dry weather.  Flowers not as showy as other Bombacaceae

Internet sources: http://www.tropilab.com/ceiba-pen.html

http://stjohnbeachguide.com/Kapok.htm