Ceiba speciosa

Floss silk tree

Highlight Month:
July

Nativity:

Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay

Growth Habit:

This semi-deciduous tree grows to 40 to 60 feet.

Growing Requirements:

Plant in full sun with good soil drainage and water sparingly.

Features:

The green trunk is covered with large thorns. It blooms in spring with showy pink flowers that are followed by large woody pods. When the pods split open, they release thousands of tiny seeds that are surrounded by fluff. This is the kapok that has been used as a stuffing in pillows and garments (pictured above, clinging to the flowers of Abelia ‘Edward Goucher’).

Where at Lotusland:

In the arboretum, which can be viewed from the cypress allée.

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