Kapok Tree
Ceiba pentandra
Plant Images
OneSeed Image
Description
The Kapok Tree (Ceiba pentandra) is a towering tropical tree native to the Americas and West Africa, often reaching heights of up to 70 meters. It plays a crucial role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a keystone species, providing essential ecosystem services such as shade, habitat for wildlife, and soil stabilization through its extensive root system. The tree's large, buttressed trunk and deciduous nature, shedding leaves in the dry season, contribute to soil fertility through leaf litter. Historically, the Kapok Tree has been used by indigenous cultures for its fibers and medicinal properties. In a food forest system, it serves as an overstory layer, supporting biodiversity and acting as a windbreak. Guild companions include nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea and ground covers such as sweet potato, which help maintain soil health and moisture.
Growing Details
Kapok Trees thrive in well-drained, loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like pigeon pea and sweet potato enhance soil fertility and moisture retention. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging. Harvest seeds when pods are fully mature and dry. Store seeds in a cool, dry place to maintain viability.
Tags
Keystone Specie
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Building Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Oil
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Ceiba pentandra</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to tropical regions of Central and Sou
applicable geo region: Tropical
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of November for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of February for 90 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(2/5)
edible uses: The seeds of the Kapok Tree can be processed to extract oil, which is used in cooking and as a lubricant. The oil is rich in unsaturated fats and can be used as a substitute for other vegetable oils.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Various parts of the Kapok Tree are used in traditional medicine. The bark is used to treat fever and respiratory issues, while the leaves can be made into a poultice for skin conditions. The seeds have mild laxative properties. Caution is advised as excessive consumption of seeds can lead to digestive discomfort.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of seeds may cause digestive issues.
other uses: The fibers from the seed pods are used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and life jackets due to their buoyancy and resilience. The wood, although soft, is used in making canoes and other light construction materials.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Ceiba pentandra</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Ceiba pentandra
common names: Kapok; Silk Cotton Tree; Ceiba
family: Malvaceae
sub family: Bombacoideae
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Ceiba
Growing Conditions
area needed: 100.0 m
spacing: 10.0 m
growing difficulty: High
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
โ
(10/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 300 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 70.0 m
max width: 30.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Kapok Trees thrive in well-drained, loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like pigeon pea and sweet potato enhance soil fertility and moisture retention. Avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging. Harvest seeds when pods are fully mature and dry. Store seeds in a cool, dry place to maintain viability.
Potential Disturbances: Natural pest management includes attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphids and caterpillars. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Neem oil and garlic sprays are effective organic solutions for managing beetle infestations.
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Download QR Code
Loading comments...