Chorisia speciosa (syn. Ceiba speciosa) is a strikingly ornamental tropical tree with a swollen, spine-covered trunk and large pink flowers that bloom in autumn. The silky fibrous floss inside its seed capsules gives the tree its common name. Successfully cultivated along Turkey's Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, this exotic species adds dramatic character to any landscape project.
Silk Floss Tree (Chorisia speciosa)
Chorisia speciosa
Exotic tropical tree with thorny swollen trunk and pink flowers.
Product Information
| Latin Name | Chorisia speciosa |
|---|---|
| Category | Tropical Plants |
| Stock Code | BC-807 |
| Height | 150-300 cm |
| Pot Type | Plastic Pot / Soil |
| Sale Type | Wholesale |
Features
Flower/Foliage
Large pink-purple hibiscus-like flowers, palmate compound leaves
Deciduous
Semi-deciduous (partially sheds leaves in winter)
Growth Rate
Fast (80-120 cm per year)
Cold Tolerance
Low to moderate (down to -3°C)
Flowering Season
September - November
Mature Height
10-20 m
Product Description
Detailed Specifications
| Height | 150-300 cm |
|---|---|
| Pot | 30-50 cm |
| Trunk Structure | Swollen, barrel-shaped trunk; green bark covered with conical thorns |
| Leaf Form | Palmate compound leaf, 5-7 leaflets; each lanceolate, 10-15 cm, glossy green |
| Flower Structure | Large, showy pink-purple flowers; 10-15 cm diameter, 5 petals, blooms in autumn |
| Fruit | Pear-shaped capsule; containing seeds surrounded by silky fibers (kapok) |
| Seed Structure | Round, black seeds; embedded in white silky floss fibers, wind-dispersed |
| Lifespan | 60-100 years |
Care & Growing
Watering
Requires regular watering in summer; reduce in winter. The swollen trunk stores water, providing some drought tolerance.
Light
Full sun required; needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil
Prefers deep, well-drained sandy-loam soils; low tolerance for waterlogging.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced NPK fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Usage Areas
- Focal specimen tree
- Tropical-themed landscaping projects
- Hotel and resort gardens
- Botanical gardens
- Coastal park design
- Public space accent planting
Frequently Asked Questions
Mature specimens can tolerate brief frosts down to about -3°C, making them suitable for the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal areas of Turkey. In colder inland regions, winter protection or greenhouse overwintering is necessary.
The bottle-shaped swollen trunk serves as a water reservoir, helping the tree survive dry periods in its native South American habitat. This adaptation also gives the tree its unique and highly ornamental silhouette.
Delivery Information
Minimum order 10 units. Shipping available throughout Turkey.
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