Description

• Ceiba is a genus of flowering trees in the mallow family (Malvaceae), commonly known as silk-cotton trees or ceiba trees. These trees can grow very large, with broad crowns, spreading branches, and often swollen or buttressed trunks. Some species have prominent conical spines on their trunks and branches. Their leaves are usually palmately compound, with several leaflets radiating from a central point. Large, showy flowers develop into woody capsules containing seeds embedded in soft, cotton-like fibres that aid dispersal by wind.

Range

• The genus Ceiba is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico and Central America through the Caribbean and into South America. Some species are also cultivated in other warm regions worldwide. Native species of Ceiba occur in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• Ceiba species grow in a variety of tropical habitats, including seasonally dry forests, humid rainforests, woodland, and open landscapes. Many species tolerate seasonal drought and grow best in warm climates with ample sunlight. Their large crowns provide shade, while their flowers and seeds support a range of wildlife, including pollinating bats, insects, and birds.