Kapok Tree
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The Kapok Tree is native to rainforests of tropical America. Up until the introduction of synthetics the tree was grown commercially for its fibre. The tree is a fast growing pioneer that can reach majestic heights of up to 60 meters.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
Cotton-tree, Ceiba, Java cotton, Java kapok, Silk cotton, Pochote, Fromager, Bongo
USES
Fibre from the Kapok fruit is light and bouyant and has been used as a filling/stuffing in many items including life-jackets, matresses, sleeping bags, pillows, soft toys and insulation.
Kapok wood is light weight, soft, straight grained and course textured. Although the wood is not very durable with a trunk as wide as 3 meters it was used by American Indians to make long dugout canoes. The wood is also of use in producing carvings, tubs and stools.
Fallen leaves are foraged for and eaten by livestock.
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Origin | Exotic |
| Size | Large tree (15m+) |
| Decid/Evergr | Deciduous |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Uses | Timber |
| Uses | Pioneer |
| Uses | Fibre |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Frost Resistance | Low |
| Wind Tolerance | Moderate |
| Dry Tolerance | Moderate |
| Flower Colour | White |
| Scented Flowers | No |
| Aromatic Foliage | No |
| Flower Season | Spring |
| Harvest Season | Summer |
