Kapok

A fast growing tree that can reach up to 70 m in height. Trunk is massive, covered in thorns, heavily buttressed. Crown is made up of braches that are arranged in a tiered fashion, resembling a pagoda. A deciduous tree, it sheds its leaves before flowering and fruiting in response to drought. Flowers are cream coloured, milky scent. Fruits are large hanging pods that split when ripe to release white fibre to which tiny black seeds are attached. The fibre is buoyant and water-resistant and was used in the past to stuff life-jackets, pillows and mattresses.

The Kapok is the National Tree of Puerto Rico.

Unique ID for Heritage Tree

HT 2005-134

Location

Found in Seah Im Road, at far end of public carpark

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Heritage Tree Information

Scientific name: Ceiba pentandra
Common name: Kapok Tree
Girth: 11.55 m @ 1.3 m height
Height: 34.6 m