Silk floss tree
ExplorePlant
Silk floss tree
Ceiba speciosa
The Silk Floss Tree is a tall and beautiful tree with big, pink flowers. Its trunk is thick and covered in spiky bumps, making it look very unique and special!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Silk floss tree has a strikingly bottle-shaped green trunk covered in large, conical thorns, making it unique. Its vibrant pink to reddish-purple flowers bloom in fall, contrasting beautifully with its grey-green bark and mature smooth patches.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalvalesFamilyMalvaceaeGenusCeiba
Category
PlantRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its gigantic flowers burst open at night, attracting thirsty bats and moths!
People sometimes call it the 'Drunken Tree' because of its bulging, lopsided trunk!
The fluffy 'silk' inside its seed pods was once used to make buoyant life jackets!
The tree's trunk is covered in huge, sharp thorns, almost like a dragon's hide!
Special abilities
Ability
Spiky Armor
Silk floss tree has a trunk covered in sharp, conical thorns that help it defend against thirsty or hungry animals.
Ability
Water Reservoir
Silk floss tree can store water in its swollen, bottle-shaped trunk, allowing it to survive long dry periods.
Ability
Wind-Riding Seeds
Silk floss tree has seeds encased in fluffy silk, which allows them to float on wind currents for dispersal.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1000-3000 cm
- Spread
- 800-1500 cm
- Flower Size
- 10-15 cm
- Bloom Season
- Fall-winter
- Is Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Bat
Ecological connections
pollinates
Pallas's long-tongued bat
Glossophaga soricina
Visits flowers for nectar at night.
pollinates
Convolvulus hawkmoth
Agrius convolvuli
Feeds on nectar, helping to spread pollen.
shelters
Rufous-bellied Thrush
Turdus rufiventris
Nests in its branches, seeking protection.
Traits
Flowering
These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!
Spring Blooming
Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.
Broadleaf Tree
Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.
Drought Tolerant
These clever plants are superstars at saving water, thriving even when it's dry and sunny with very little rain. They're nature's resourceful friends!
Fiber
Explore incredible plants and animals that provide fibers, which people use to make clothes, ropes, paper, and so much more!
Colorful
Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.
Pollinator Magnet
Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.
Spiky/Thorny
Find creatures and plants covered in sharp points, which help keep them safe or catch a meal!
Urban Friendly
Spot amazing living things that thrive right alongside us in cities and towns, finding homes in parks, gardens, and even cracks in pavements.
Also known as
Floss Silk TreeKapok Tree
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Be careful around the spiky trunk and don't climb the tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Silk floss tree?
1000-3000 cm
How wide does Silk floss tree spread?
800-1500 cm
How big are the flowers on Silk floss tree?
10-15 cm
When does Silk floss tree bloom?
Fall-winter
Is Silk floss tree edible?
No
Is Silk floss tree toxic?
None
What is Silk floss tree's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Silk floss tree pollinated?
Bat
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