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| Category: Tree |
| Family: Bombacaceae (Kapok) |
| Origin: Brazil (South America) |
| Flower Color: Pink |
| Bloomtime: Summer/Fall |
| Synonyms: [Chorisia speciosa] |
| Height: 40-60 feet |
| Width: 20-40 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Drought Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F |
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Ceiba speciosa (Floss Silk Tree) - This semi-deciduous large tree has several unique characteristics. It can grow to about 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide but most noticeable are the studded large thorns on the greenish trunk and branches, which can be dangerous to careless passers-by but are also quite attractive. In summer into fall appear the large showy pale pink to rose colored flowers with five frilly petals are followed by large capsules that split open to release fingers of white flossy hairs. These hairs or floss are used to stuff pillows in this tree's native habitat, which ranges from southern Brazil into northeast Argentina and Paraguay, and is why this tree is often called Floss Silk Tree. It and other Ceiba species are sometimes called Palo Borracho, which means "drunken tree" in Spanish, because older trees sometimes have awkward branches and bent over upper trunk. Plant in full sun with well draining soil and irrigate occasionally to very little. It has proven hardy to below 20 ° F but lose foliage below 27° F - a large tree in front of our nursery survived out 1990 low temperatures of 18° F without any major damage. This tree has long been grown in California under its previous name of Chorisia speciosa.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.
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