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 branches 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 and milky scented. Fruit 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 originated from tropical America and is the National Tree of Puerto Rico. This Heritage Kapok had a girth of 6.2 m when it was endorsed in 2020. Unique ID for Heritage Tree HT 2020-308 Location Jalan Kilang Barat, Railway Corridor, near Block 1001, Bukit Merah Lane 3. Get Directions Heritage Tree Information Scientific name Ceiba pentandra Common name Kapok Tree Girth 6.2 m @ 1.3 m height Height 26.4 m
