Kapok Tree Silk Cotton Tree Ceiba pentandra 100 Seeds

Ceiba pentandra, commonly known as kapok or silk-cotton tree, is a fast-growing (to 13’ per year), deciduous tropical tree of the Bombax family that typically matures to 75-125’, but infrequently soars to as much as 230’ tall with a broad-spreading, somewhat flattened crown consisting of nearly horizontal branching. This large tree is perhaps best known as being the source of kapok which is a cotton-like, water-resistant fiber harvested from the seed pods. Kapok was at one time a popular down-like substance used as a stuffing for mattresses, life jackets, pillows, upholstery and as insulation. It is native to tropical America. It is now common in many areas of the tropics around the world. Massive, straight, often spiny trunks on mature trees have wide spreading buttresses at the base. Trunk diameter on average size trees will reach 6’ at maturity, but may extend to as much as 9’ or more on large trees. Palmate compound leaves have 5-9 leaflets (each 3-7” long) with all leaflets extend