The kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) is a large, tropical tree native to Central and South America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. Known for its impressive height, which can reach up to 200 feet, the kapok tree is easily recognizable by its thick, buttressed trunk and wide-spreading canopy.
It produces large, green seed pods filled with fluffy, cotton-like fibers that are lightweight and water-resistant, historically used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and life jackets. The kapok tree plays a vital ecological role, providing habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals, making it a keystone species in tropical rainforests.
