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silk-floss tree
Scientific Name: Chorisia speciosa
Family: Bombacaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Silk Floss Tree
The Silk Floss Tree is a captivating deciduous tree prized for its ornamental qualities and unique appearance.
Considerations for Pets
- The tree has thorns on its trunk and branches.
- Seed pods filled with fluffy white silk are produced, which may be attractive to animals.
Considerations for Children
- The tree has thorns on its trunk and branches.
- Seed pods filled with fluffy white silk are produced, which may be attractive to children.
Scientific and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Ceiba speciosa or Chorisia speciosa
- Common Names: Silk Floss Tree, Floss Silk Tree, Kapok Tree, Palo Borracho (drunken stick), Paineira-rosa
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Malvaceae (formerly Bombacaceae or Cotton-tree family)
- Subfamily: Bombacoideae
- Synonym: Ceiba speciosa (synonym for Chorisia speciosa)
- Alternative Scientific Name: Ceiba insignis, Ceiba chodatii
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America, specifically Brazil and Argentina.
- Widespread in South Florida and planted in Arizona.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Deciduous tree, dropping leaves before blooming.
- Can reach up to 50 feet in height.
- Young trees can have an upright or moderately vase form.
- Unusually thick trunk that remains green even on older trees.
- Showy pink, purple, or red hibiscus-like flowers.
- Produces seed pods filled with fluffy white silk.
- Thorny trunk and branches.