SafePlants

Silk Cotton Tree: A Botanical Overview

The term "silk cotton tree" refers to several trees, most notably from the genera Bombax and Ceiba. This overview will explore their common names, taxonomy, distribution, and other interesting facts.

Common and Scientific Names

• Common Names: Silk cotton tree, simal, red cotton tree, kapok, cotton tree, Java cotton, Java kapok, Samauma, ceiba.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. is a prominent example, also known as the Silk Cotton or Ceiba Tree.
• Bombax ceiba is another species commonly referred to as cotton tree or red silk-cotton tree.
• Synonyms for Bombax ceiba include Bombax malabarica and simal.
• The genus name Salmalia is derived from the Sanskrit name "shaalmali".
• Family: Bombacaceae (silk-cotton family)

Considerations for Pets

• Some sources mention that certain silk cotton trees belonging to the genus Ceiba are spiny.

Considerations for Children

• Some sources mention that certain silk cotton trees belonging to the genus Ceiba are spiny.

Distribution and Habitat

• Ceiba pentandra is native to the American tropics, Asia, and the Caribbean.
• Kapok, or silk cotton trees, are found in tropical forests throughout the world.
• Bombax ceiba is widely planted in Hong Kong.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Silk cotton trees can grow to a height of more than 200 feet.
• They are deciduous trees, losing their leaves in winter.
• They have widely spreading branches and massive trunks, sometimes with deep ridges.
• The bark is typically gray.
• They produce large pods of seeds covered with silky floss.
• In spring, the branches are bare of leaves but full of waxy red flowers.

Ecological Role

• In Goa, the silk cotton tree is considered a natural weather station.

Quirky Facts

• In some cultures, silk cotton trees are considered to be associated with magic, obeah, or even jumbies (ghosts), and should not be felled without offering a sacrifice.