Ceiba thonningii A.Chev.
West African Silk-Cotton Tree / Thonning's Kapok
Imposing tree of the African savanna and forest galleries of West and Central Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to Angola. Known as Thonning's kapok — named after Danish naturalist Peter Thonning — it is morphologically similar to Ceiba pentandra but differs in stamen size and geographic distribution. A sacred tree in many West African cultures, frequently planted near villages and markets.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Ceiba |
| Growth Habit | Deciduous savanna tree with straight habit and broad crown |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| pH Target | 5.5-7.5 |
| Type | Loamy, clay-loam, lateritic; highly adaptable to different soils. |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Loamy, clay-loam, lateritic; highly adaptable to different soils.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
S
L
Only in nursery as young plant; establish in permanent site before 18 months.
In a forestry context fertilisation is not required; in gardens, balanced fertilizer at the start of the rainy season.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No documented human toxicity; seeds are oil-rich with a possible laxative effect in large quantities.
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"Species described by Auguste Chevalier in 1916 in honour of Peter Thonning (1775-1848), Danish botanist and naturalist who collected plants in Guinea (present-day Ghana/Togo). Morphologically very close to Ceiba pentandra; some authors treat it as the African geographic variety of the latter. Sacred tree in Ashanti, Yoruba and Wolof cultures; frequently legally protected in rural areas."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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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.