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kapoktree
Scientific Name: Ceiba pentandra
Family: Bombacaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Kapok Tree (Ceiba pentandra)
The Kapok tree, scientifically known as Ceiba pentandra, is a majestic and towering tree found in tropical regions.
Considerations for Pets
- The Kapok tree's trunk is described as spiny, which might present a hazard to pets if they come into contact with it.
Considerations for Children
- The Kapok tree's trunk is described as spiny, which might present a hazard to children if they come into contact with it.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Ceiba pentandra
- Common Names: Kapok tree, silk cotton tree, ceiba de lana, bois coton, kapokier, pacae, sumauma, ceiba tree
- Family: Malvaceae (mallow family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical America, Africa, and the East Indies.
- Originally from Central and South America.
- Found in the Amazon rainforest.
- Planted in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ecological Role
- An emergent tree of the tropical rainforests.
- Plays an important role in the tropical rainforest ecosystem.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- A large, deciduous, tropical tree.
- Can reach heights of 150 to 200 feet (45-60 m), sometimes growing up to 13 feet per year.
- Lifespan can reach 300 years.
- Has a massive trunk, sometimes covered in thorns and heavily buttressed.
- Develops enormous trunk and root flairs that can lift sidewalks and foundations.
- Crown is made up of palmately compound leaves.
- Produces pods containing silky fibers.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bats are attracted to the flowers.
- Serves as a habitat for various animals, birds, and insects in the rainforest ecosystem.
Quirky Facts
- The Kapok tree's seed-hair fiber is used for stuffing pillows.