Ceiba speciosa (A.St.-Hil.) Ravenna
Silk Floss Tree
Deciduous tropical and subtropical tree native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay, formerly known as Chorisia speciosa. One of the world's most spectacular ornamentals, producing eye-catching pink-fuchsia or bicoloured flowers when the tree is leafless. Young trunks are covered with thick, conical green spines and display a swollen bottle-shaped base that stores water and nutrients.
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© Pablo D. Flores (CC BY-SA 2.5) / Wouter Hagens (PD) / Jutta234 (CC BY-SA 3.0 DE) / Polyparadigm (CC BY-SA 3.0) / Andreas Praefcke (CC BY 3.0) / Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 2.5 / PD / CC BY-SA 3.0 DE / CC BY-SA 3.0 / CC BY 3.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Ceiba |
| Growth Habit | Deciduous tree with spiny trunk and swollen base |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| pH Target | 6.0-7.5 |
| Type | Loamy, sandy loam, well-drained. |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Loamy, sandy loam, well-drained.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
S
E
Only in young potted specimens; no transplanting needed once in the ground.
Balanced NPK fertilizer in spring; additional potassium in summer to promote flowering.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No documented toxicity; trunk spines can cause physical injuries.
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"Formerly classified in genus Chorisia as Chorisia speciosa A.St.-Hil. (1827). Transfer to Ceiba by Ravenna (1998) is now widely accepted. The swollen trunk base stores water and is an adaptation to dry periods; in Brazil it is called "paineira". Autumn flowering on a leafless tree produces one of the most photogenic floral displays in tropical arboriculture."
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Scientific Integrity
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.