Trees Around The World Tour- FLOSS SILK TREE

Ceiba insignis     |     Malvaceae     |      floss silk tree

Noteworthy Characteristics:

The White Floss Silk tree with its menacing thorns is native to the tropical forests of South America where it is known as the National Tree of Guatemala. It is winter deciduous and blooms beautiful huge white lily-like flowers in the fall that remain on the tree through January unless damaged by frost. The species has a bottle shaped, green trunk with chlorophyll for photosynthesis.The bark on young trees do not contain the characteristic prickles.This tree may grow to 230 ft. tall, with growth of as much as 15 ft. in a year but can also be potted and turned into a bonsai. The pear-shaped fruit pods produce a “cotton” or floss used in pillows, life vests and insulation. Its wood is flexible and sturdy – good for canoes, paper and ropes. The seeds produce oil for cooking and industry. The seeds are also used to make a hallucinogenic drink, explaining the local name “palo borracho” or “drunk tree”. This species is very important to Mayan cultures. It is known as a “World Tree” which represents their creation mythology representing underworld, terrestrial, and heavenly realms by its roots, trunk and canopy, respectively.

Next Stop ⇒ Cork Oak Tree

Previous Stop ⇒ True Date Palm

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Additional Resources to Explore:

• Link to the Campus Arboretum Species Description page
• Link to the Campus Arboretum Trees Around The World Tour page (for booklet, self-guided campus tours, or docent led tour information)