Ceiba insignis (Kunth) P.E.Gibbs & Semir
Bottle Ceiba
Spectacular ornamental tree from the seasonal forests of southern South America, especially in Argentina (Tucumán, Salta, Jujuy), Bolivia and Peru. Its most striking feature is the swollen mid-trunk in a bottle or barrel shape, which stores water and nutrients to survive the dry season. Produces one of the most showy flowerings of the genus: large white-pink to intense fuchsia flowers.
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© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Ceiba |
| Growth Habit | Deciduous bottle-trunked tree |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| pH Target | 5.5-7.5 |
| Type | Loamy to stony loam, free-draining. |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Loamy to stony loam, free-draining.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
Y
P
Transplant to final location before 2 years.
Organic compost in planting hole; annual spring fertilisation for the first 5 years.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Trunk spines can cause injuries; no known systemic toxicity.
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"Basionym: Bombax insigne Kunth (Nova Genera et Species Plantarum, 1821). Transferred to Ceiba by P.E. Gibbs & Semir. Previously widely known as Chorisia insignis, a name now in synonymy. The bottle-shaped trunk is the most distinctive feature and has made this species one of the most cultivated in the family in parks and avenues of Argentina and Bolivia."
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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.