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Chorisia
Scientific Name: Chorisia
Family: Bombacaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa)
The silk floss tree, scientifically known as Ceiba speciosa (formerly Chorisia speciosa), is a captivating deciduous tree renowned for its striking appearance and unique features. It is native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America.
Common Names
- Silk Floss Tree
- Kapok
- Floss Silk Tree
- Ceiba del Brasil
- Palo Borracho (for Ceiba chodatii)
Considerations for Pets
- The trunk of Ceiba speciosa is noted for being thorny.
Considerations for Children
- The trunk of Ceiba speciosa is noted for being thorny.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ceiba speciosa (formerly Chorisia speciosa)
- Family: Malvaceae (formerly Bombacaceae - bombax or baobab family)
- Subfamily: Bombacoideae
- Synonyms: Chorisia speciosa
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America, specifically from Brazil to Argentina.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous tree, typically conical in shape with somewhat irregular, widespreading branches.
- Young branches are green.
- Mature trees can reach heights of 30-50 feet.
- Known for its remarkably thorny trunk.
- Produces large pink, purple, or red flowers followed by inedible fruits.
- The "silk floss" name comes from the soft, silky fiber surrounding the seeds.
Quirky Facts
- One source mentions a specimen that, despite being planted from a #10 can, grew to be over 30 feet tall but never bloomed in 16 years.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Seed coats form a hydrogel upon contact with water.
Further Information
- Fact Sheet ST-162, November 1993, by Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson.
- Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chorisia speciosa.