Ceiba pentandra seeds grow into the kapok or silk cotton tree — one of the largest and most ecologically important trees of the tropical world, native to the seasonally dry tropical biome from Mexico south through Central America and across the whole of tropical South America. The African populations, long thought to be native, are now considered by POWO to be naturalised rather than indigenous. This enormous tree can exceed 70 m in height and develops massive buttress roots at the base of its huge, straight trunk, which is armed with large conical prickles when young. The seed pods are filled with the silky, buoyant kapok fibre — historically the world's primary filling material for life jackets and mattresses. Pale white to pink flowers are produced on bare branches. Sacred tree of the Maya, believed to connect the underworld, earth and heavens. Family Malvaceae.Full sun; fast-growing; adaptable to a range of tropical soils; tolerates seasonal flooding and drought. One of the fastest-growing tropical timber trees. Enormous tree to 70+ m; massive buttress roots; trunk with conical prickles when young Seed pods filled with silky kapok fibre — historically the world's primary buoyant filling material Mexico to Tropical America — seasonally dry tropical biome; African populations naturalised not native Sacred Maya tree connecting underworld, earth and sky; deep cultural significance Full sun; fast-growing; tolerates flooding and seasonal drought; Family Malvaceae Ceiba pentandra is one of the great trees of the tropical world — the kapok tree's towering stature, buttressed trunk, silky seed fibre and deep sacred significance to the Maya make it one of the most botanically, commercially and culturally important trees in the entire neotropical flora. IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.
