Ceiba speciosa
Ceiba speciosa (A.St.-Hil.) Ravenna (formerly Chorisia speciosa)
Silk Floss Tree is a spectacular South American deciduous tree with a spiny trunk and stunning hibiscus-like pink flowers. The silky seed floss and unique bottle-shaped trunk make it an unforgettable ornamental specimen.
Malvaceae (Mallow family, formerly Bombacaceae)
Fall to winter when tree is leafless (October-March in Northern Hemisphere, variable by climate)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: king proteas and couroupita guianensiss also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
In Bolivia, Ceiba speciosa is called "toborochi," meaning "tree of refuge" or "sheltering tree," reflecting its sacred status. The bottle-shaped, spiny trunk has inspired numerous legends and is considered a symbol of protection. In some South American indigenous cultures, the tree is associated with creation myths and rebirth. The silky floss surrounding seeds gives the tree its common name and was historically used for stuffing pillows and as packaging material. The tree's most spectacular feature is its profuse flowering when completely leafless, creating an explosion of tens of thousands of pink blooms, symbolizing nature's dramatic beauty. In urban settings worldwide, it represents the exotic character of tropical landscapes.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
Moderate water needs, excellent drought tolerance once established, grows quickly with abundant water
Soil
Well-drained, Moist, Fertile, Adaptable to various soils, Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 6.5-8.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant 15+ feet from hardscapes due to large surface roots
Requires full sun for best flowering
Grafted cultivars bloom earlier and at smaller size
Establish safety buffer around trees due to thorny trunk and branches
Young trunks are green with chlorophyll, turning gray with age
Not salt tolerant
Hardy in zones 9-11, marginal in zone 8b
Prune to develop single leader when young
Cultivars: Majestic Beauty (rich pink), Los Angeles Beautiful (wine-red), Monsa (thornless)
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Spectacular specimen tree for parks and large landscapes
- Street tree in subtropical climates
- Tropical and subtropical gardens
- Architectural feature tree
- Container plant when young
- Parking lot islands
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Ceiba speciosa
Why is it called palo borracho?
Palo borracho means drunken stick in Spanish, referring to the swollen, bottle-shaped trunk that appears bloated or drunk. The trunk stores water, giving it this distinctive appearance.
Are silk floss tree thorns dangerous?
Yes, the large conical thorns on trunk and branches can cause injury. Safety buffer zones should be established around the tree to protect people and pets, especially in public spaces.
When does silk floss tree bloom?
Silk Floss Tree blooms in fall to winter (October-March in Northern Hemisphere) when the tree is nearly or completely leafless, creating a dramatic display of thousands of pink flowers covering bare branches.
How do you grow Ceiba speciosa?
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, then the tree is quite drought tolerant. Grafted cultivars bloom earlier. Protect from frost; hardy in zones 9-11.
What is silk floss used for?
The white cottony silk floss from seed pods was historically used to stuff pillows, mattresses, and life jackets, and as packaging material. Today it is primarily ornamental rather than commercially harvested.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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