Ceiba insignis, Chorisia insignis

The trunk becomes bottle shaped as it ages, and it is covered with stout spines, more decorative than really frightening. Can make a shade tree in warmer areas, or an interesting patio tree. Many bonsai them in large pots. In deep soil this can become a good shade tree, otherwise it is grown for its spectacular flowers and interesting shape. Pear shaped fruits containing a silky floss coming out of the seeds. Need a good drainage. Abundant water in the growing season can make a large tree quickly as they have been recorded to grow 5 meters (15 feet) a year in optimum conditions. Hardy to about 20 degrees F, although hardiness varies with individuals.

Similar plants:

• Ceiba speciosa, Chorisia speciosa (Silk Floss Tree, Bombax)
• Bombax ceiba, Salmalia malabarica, Bombax malabaricum (Kapok tree, Silk Cotton Tree)
• Ceiba boliviana (Ceiba)
• Ceiba pentandra (Kapok tree, Silk Cotton Tree)
• Ceiba schottii (Painera, Pochote)
• Ceiba sp. (Ceiba, Floss Silk Tree, Kapok Tree)