Mazhar Botanic Garden

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn

Kapok Silk Cotton tree

Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Ceiba
Species: pentandra
Sample code: EGY-MBG-000164
Common name: Kapok, Silk Cotton tree
Arabic name: كابوك
Native: Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
Country: Caribbean Central america Mexico
(PGR): Common

Deciduous tree, grows to 50-70 m tall 3 m in diameter above the extensive buttress roots leaves palmate 5-9 leaflets, each up to 20 cm long flowers creamy white, milky fragrance fruits smooth, leathery, oblong capsules up to 15 cm long

Important source of fibre and of timber. In Java, the tree is grown as a boundary tree and fences along roadsides. In addition to fibre, kapok seeds contain 20-25% of an oil, very similar to cottonseed oil, that can be used for cooking, to make soap and as a lubricant. Kapok flowers are an important source of pollen for honey bees.

Bombax pentandrum L, Eriodendron pentandrum (L) Kurz

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Texture: Moist
Fertility: High
Drainage: Well drained
Water Sources: Moderate Water
Lights: Full sun
Zone: 10 : 12

The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and Mazhar Botanic Garden does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.