Ceiba speciosa
Silk Floss Tree
The Ceiba speciosa, or Silk Floss Tree, is a spectacular deciduous tree native to South America, known for its spiny, bottle-shaped trunk, vibrant flowers, and ornamental value. Reaching heights of 10 to 20 metres, it produces large, showy, pink to magenta blooms with creamy centres in late summer to autumn. Its green trunk, covered in sharp conical spines, serves as water storage and adds a unique visual element to landscapes.
This drought-tolerant tree is perfect for parks, streetscapes, and large gardens, combining beauty, resilience, and ecological benefits.
Specifications
- Height10 to 20 metres
- Width8 to 10 metres
- Native toSouth America (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay)
- FoliagePalmate, green leaves that are deciduous in dry seasons
- Growth rateModerate to fast
Conditions
- SoilPrefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils; tolerates poor soil conditions
- LightFull sun
- WaterLow; highly drought-tolerant once established
- ClimateThrives in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions
Additional Features
- FlowersLarge, pink to magenta, trumpet-shaped blooms with creamy centres in late summer to autumn
- TrunkGreen, spiny, and bottle-shaped, storing water and deterring herbivores
- UsesIdeal as a feature tree, in avenue planting, or as an ornamental in parks and large gardens
- SpacingPlant 8 to 10 metres apart for individual growth or grouped plantings
- Low MaintenanceRequires minimal care; prune to shape or remove deadwood as needed
- Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free with proper care
- Environmental BenefitsProvides shade, supports pollinators, and stabilises soil
- Cultural SignificanceRevered in South American folklore and used for traditional purposes
- Seasonal InterestDeciduous in winter, offering a striking display of flowers and spiny trunk year-round
The Silk Floss Tree is a captivating and hardy species, perfect for adding dramatic seasonal colour and architectural interest to large-scale landscapes and tropical-inspired gardens.
Available Sizes
- Mature height3.5 to 7.0 m
- Canopy spread1.5 to 3.0 m
- Trunk caliper80 to 250 mm
Supplied as advanced, project-grade specimens. Sizes above are the working supply range and are confirmed against your plant schedule. Proven for Middle East coastal projects.