Plant Identifier
Kapok Tree / White Silk Cotton Tree

Kapok Tree / White Silk Cotton Tree

Ceiba pentandra

Family: Malvaceae (formerly Bombacaceae)Native: Tropical Americas, West Africa, Southeast AsiaIdentified: Oct 25, 2025

The image shows the seed pods of a Kapok tree, which split open to reveal fluffy, white, cotton-like fibers surrounding small, round, dark seeds. The leaves appear to be pinnately compound or palmately compound, typical of Ceiba pentandra. The tree itself can grow very large and has a distinctive trunk often covered with large, conical thorns when young.

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Care instructions

This is a tropical tree that thrives in warm, humid climates with full sun exposure. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. It requires minimal care, mostly focusing on providing ample space for its large growth and protecting young trees from frost.