Family: Malvaceae
Author: (A.St.-Hil., A.Juss. & Cambess.) Ravenna
Bibliography: Onira 3: 46 (1998)
Year: 1998
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ceiba
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Brazil to Peru and NE. Argentina
Description
The Floss-silktree, botanically named Ceiba speciosa, is a remarkable species belonging to the Malvaceae family. This majestic tree is native to regions stretching from Brazil to Peru and northeastern Argentina, thriving in a variety of climates and landscapes. Known for its striking and distinctive appearance, the Floss-silktree is an attention-grabbing feature of the South American flora.
The tree is notable for its unique and dramatic floral display. Ceiba speciosa produces large, vibrant pink or sometimes white flowers, which are not only visually stunning but also serve as a vital nectar source for various pollinators. These flowers typically bloom during the autumn, lighting up the landscape with their vivid presence.
The trunk of the Floss-silktree is another of its distinctive characteristics. It is covered in thick, conical spines, believed to help store water and deter herbivores. This adaptation is particularly useful in the drier environments within its native range. Additionally, the trunk can have a swollen, bottle-like appearance, especially in older trees, which adds to its dramatic look.
Beyond its aesthetic value, the Floss-silktree holds cultural and ecological significance. It has been utilized in traditional medicine and is also grown in urban areas for ornamental purposes due to its striking appearance and durable nature. The tree’s seeds are enclosed in a fluffy material, often referred to as “kapok,” which has been used historically for stuffing pillows and other items.
In ecological terms, Ceiba speciosa plays a significant role in its environment. It provides habitat and food for a myriad of species, establishing itself as an integral part of the local ecosystem. This tree’s resilience and adaptability allow it to thrive in diverse conditions, from humid tropical forests to more arid regions.
In summary, the Floss-silktree (Ceiba speciosa), with its majestic flowers, distinctive spined trunk, and multifaceted uses, is a striking and valuable component of the South American landscape. Documented in botanical literature such as Onira and formally classified by notable botanists, this tree continues to be a subject of admiration and study for its unique adaptations and ecological contributions.
Common Names
Eng: floss-silktree, silk-floss tree, silk floss tree
Por: paineira
Spa: palo borracho, toborochi
Grn: samu’ũ
En: Floss-silktree, Silk-floss tree, Silk Floss Tree
Gn: Samu’ũ
Pt: Paineira
Es: Palo borracho, Toborochi
Synonyms
- Bombax aculeatum (Vell.)
- Chorisia speciosa (A.St.-Hil., A.Juss. & Cambess.)
- Chorisia speciosa var. minor (Chodat)
- Chorisia speciosa var. paraguariensis (Hassl.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Ethiopia (introduced)
- India (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Madina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2021 by Francisco Martínez Brajer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 13, 2021 by J MANIKANDAN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Hervé Rey (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Fernando Romero Bru (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Matheus Roque (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 13, 2021 by J MANIKANDAN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2020 by Paulo Paulo Jorge Escola dos Passos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2019 by Chee Keong Chan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 17, 2021 by Hervé Rey (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 23, 2020 by JP Corrêa Carvalho (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Madina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Madina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Takahashi Angélica (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 14, 2021 by Jamie Jamie (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2021 by Lauton Everton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Luis Oscar Herrera Valdez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2022 by Javier Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Luis Oscar Herrera Valdez (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 20, 2021 by Madina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 25, 2019 by Chee Keong Chan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 13, 2021 by J MANIKANDAN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 29, 2021 by Juan Manuel Manuel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Lourenço Guilherme (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 3, 2020 by Jim’nz Mau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Hernany Webster (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 2021 by Flóra Hajdú (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 4, 2003 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 27, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8688929)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1005661-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ceiba speciosa (A.St.-Hil.) Ravenna)