#ceiba pentandra

[rainforest-tropics]

Ceiba pentandra

The Ceiba pentandra is also known as the Kapok Tree.

The Kapok Tree has an adaptation involving the white and pink flowers that bloom on the tree that releases an odor attracting bats, resulting in a facilitation of pollination.

The Kapok Tree can reach up to 230 feet in height, while the diameter of the trunk can reach up to 9-10 feet. The tree can grow 13 feet per year.

🌿 🌿 🌿

[melobotanicsnursery]

2. The neotropical giant - The Kapoktree or 'Ceiba pentandra' is a tropical tree that belongs to the Malvaceae family, meaning the Hibiscus genus is a close relation. This tree is native to Mexico, Central America and the Carribean, northern South America, and tropical West Africa.

The Kapoktree's main pollinator is bats. The flying mammals are attracted to the foul odor emmited by the pink and white flowers. As the mammals move from flower to flower feasting on the nectar, they transfer pollen on their fur, thus facilitating pollination.

The ancient Maya believed that the Kapok tree was the link between heaven and earth - its branches were pathways for the soul to ascend to the spiritual world.

[benebavarese]

Ceiba pentandra var. caribaea – The Gambia – April 2019 Panasonic Lumix GX8

[lovecraftsgarden]

Ceiba pentandra

Kapok, Java Cotton, Samauma

(via)

[botanytoo]

Field evidence of differential pollen placement by bat-pollinated plants Competition for pollination can occur between sympatric plant species sharing pollinators, but can be minimized if each plant species places pollen on different areas of the pollinator's body.

[melobotanicsnursery]

1. Kapok tree (Ceiba pentandra) that I photographed while taking my early-morning walk through the neighborhood. It feels good to have a little less limitation and be able to still enjoy the surrounding plantdiversity. This tree is on the top 5 of my favorite trees.

[benebavarese]

Ceiba pentandra var. caribaea – The Gambia – April 2019 Panasonic Lumix GX8

[lovecraftsgarden]

Ceiba pentandra

Kapok Tree, Java Cotton, Ceiba Tree

This photo was taken in Nassau, Bahamas in 1899.

(via)