Ceiba pentandra (Kapok Tree) is a large tropical tree native to humid climates in South America, Asia, and Africa. It is cultivated for its cotton fibre found inside the seed pods. Kapok Trees can grow to enormous sizes and is the tallest native species in Africa. It is one of the most versatile plants in the world. Plants can be eaten, used in medicines, made into wooden objects, provide shade for crops, produce cotton-like fibre, have beautiful flowers and is popular as a bonsai subject. Oh, and its fast grower in its preferred conditions.
The only drawback of the Kapok Tree is that it is not frost tolerant. It prefers Sub-Tropical and Tropical conditions but can grow in a range of soils and can go without a drink for up to six months.
There is an attempt to cover some of Ceiba pentandra’s endless uses in the facts below but there really is too many to list here.
Also commonly known as Cotton Tree, Silk Cotton Tree, and Java Cotton.
Growth
Ceiba pentandra is a huge deciduous tree that grows up to 70 m (229 ft) high and 40 m (130 ft) wide. Seedlings can grow up to 29 cm (12 inches) in six weeks and 60 cm (2 feet) in their first year. Kapok trees prefer daytime temperatures that range from 17-38°C (62-100°F) but will tolerate 12-45°C (53-113°F). Below 5°C/41°F is enough to damage the plant and fruiting can be hampered if nighttime temperatures fall below 20°C/68°F. Frost has been known to kill a mature tree.
A soil that remains moist will feed its great appetite. It doesn’t need a lot of feeding unless its flowering where it will enjoy a healthy dose of nitrogen. this species demands full sun. Its end game is to tower over all the surrounding plants.
The green leaves are elliptic and connected in the base and look like a hand with 7 fingers. The crown is thin, and pagoda shaped.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Malvaceae
CLIMATE:
Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
12 to 45°C / -4 to 90°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil but does not like boggy or clay soils that retain moisture.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 12 metres (40 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 metres (32 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light – Medium
POLLINATION:
Bats, Moths and Bees.
MATURITY:
5-7 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-83% dependent on length of cold stratification period.
GERMINATION TIME:
2-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 88
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT CEIBA PENTANDRA (Kapok Tree)
One of the oldest known Kapok Trees at 200 years, lives in Miami, United States.
Kapok trees are grown to supply shade for chilli, coffee, and cacao farms.
Paper products, canoes, matches, cheap furniture, and light construction are all made with Kapok wood.
A bush fire may encourage the seeds to germinate.
Tribes along the Amazon River wrap Kapok fibre around their blowgun darts. The fibres create a seal that allows the pressure to force the dart through the tube.
Edible and Medicinal
Tender leaves, buds and fruit are eaten like Okra.
Although the seed is toxic, the seeds oil is edible.
Leaves are used in baths as a treatment against general fatigue, fevers, and headaches.
