Kapok

Description:

Kapok is the most used common name for the tree and may also refer to the cotton obtained from its seed pods. The tree is also known as the Java cotton, Java kapok, Silk cotton or ceiba. This tree grows to 60–70 m (200–230 ft) and has a very substantial trunk up to 3 m (10 ft) in diameter with buttresses. The trunk and many of the larger branches are often (but not always) crowded with very large, robust simple thorns. It is a sacred symbol in Maya mythology.

Habitat:

Seen at the Jardín Botánico