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The kapok
tree, Ceiba pentandra, is a large, deciduous
tree emergent of the tropical rainforests. It can grow to a
height of 150 feet or more, towering over other trees.
Originally a native to South America it now has spread to
the primary rainforests of West Africa, the Southeast Asian
rainforests of the Malay Peninsula, and the Indonesian
archipelago.
This
fast-growing tree is generally from 45 to over 100 feet
(14-30 m) tall; the kapok is the tallest tree in Africa. It
has pink, white, or yellow night-blooming flowers borne in
clusters. The green leaves are
lanceolate (lance shaped) and
palmately compound (with 5 to 9 leaflets). The
flowers are pollinated and seeds are spread by fruit bats.
The
light-weight silky down from the seed pods (sometimes called
Java cotton) is used as pillow stuffing, sleeping bag
stuffing, life jacket stuffing, furniture upholstery,
insulation, and for other uses. The yellow-green oil from
the seeds is used in foods and to manufacture soap. Young
leaves are also cooked and eaten; the wood from this tree is
also used. |
