Kapok Tree Ceiba pentandra 20 Seeds

Ceiba pentandra, commonly known as the kapok tree, is a massive, fast-growing tropical tree native to Central and South America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia, widely recognized for its towering height and striking appearance. Reaching heights of up to 200 feet, with a broad, umbrella-shaped canopy and a straight, cylindrical trunk that can span over 10 feet in diameter, the tree often features large buttress roots at its base, providing structural support and stability. The bark is typically gray and may be covered in conical spines. Ceiba pentandra is deciduous, shedding its leaves during the dry season, and produces large, showy flowers that are cream-colored and pollinated by bats. These flowers develop into elongated pods filled with seeds embedded in a silky, cotton-like fiber known as kapok, which is buoyant and water-resistant, traditionally used for stuffing mattresses, pillows, and life vests. In many cultures, the kapok tree holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, often regarded as sacred or symbolic of life and fertility. Ecologically, it serves as a habitat and food source for a variety of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and insects. Due to its rapid growth and ability to thrive in tropical climates, Ceiba pentandra is also planted for reforestation and shade.