Ceiba speciosa

Palo Borracho / Silk Floss Tree

Ceiba speciosa

Regions: Mexico to Argentina.

This striking tree has several distinctive characteristics. The young trunks and branches are often green, as they contain chlorophyll and are able to photosynthesize even when leafless in winter. The trunk is also studded with dangerous thorns, an adaptation deterring animals from foraging on its foliage. It blooms in summer with large pink/magenta flowers, and when these fade huge fruits are formed that contain a large ball of a cotton-like fiber, traditionally used as a stuffing in pillows and clothing.