Ceiba Trischistandra

Description

Ceiba trischistandra, commonly known as the white silk floss tree, is a large deciduous tree belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is native to South America, particularly in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The tree can grow up to 25 meters in height, with a straight trunk and a broad crown that can spread up to 12 meters in diameter. It is renowned for its large flowers and distinctive trunk that is covered in sharp spines. The tree has a smooth, grayish-brown bark that peels away in strips, revealing a green layer underneath.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The ceiba trischistandra tree has a striking appearance, thanks to its large flowers and thorny trunk. The tree produces white or pink flowers that can reach up to 15 centimeters in diameter. These flowers are composed of five petals and numerous stamens, which give them a fluffy appearance. The tree’s trunk is covered in sharp spines, which can grow up to 15 centimeters long. The leaves of the tree are large and deciduous, with a green color and a serrated edge.

Care Guide

Proper care for ceiba trischistandra is essential for the tree to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your tree:

• Water: Ceiba trischistandra requires moderate watering. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the tree once a year with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
• Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Ceiba trischistandra prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Ceiba trischistandra is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:

• Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the tree’s bark.
• Borers: Borers can cause damage to the tree’s trunk, leading to wilting and dieback.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the tree’s leaves and defoliation.

Habitat

Ceiba trischistandra is native to South America, where it grows in forests, savannas, and grasslands. The tree prefers moist soil and a warm, tropical climate, although it can tolerate some drought and frost. The tree’s large size and striking appearance make it a popular ornamental tree in many gardens and parks around the world.

Question and Answer

• Q: Can ceiba trischistandra be grown in containers?
• A: Ceiba trischistandra is not well-suited for container growing due to its large size and deep root system.
• Q: How often should I prune my ceiba trischistandra tree?
• A: Pruning should be done sparingly on ceiba trischistandra. If necessary, prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Q: Can ceiba trischistandra tolerate salt spray?
• A: Ceiba trischistandra is not tolerant of salt spray and should not be planted in coastal areas.
• Q: Do I need to fertilize my ceiba trischistandra tree?
• A: Yes, ceiba trischistandra should be fertilized once a year during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Related Plants

• Ceiba insignis
• Ceiba pentandra
• Ceiba speciosa
• Ceiba aesculifolia

References

• “Ceiba trischistandra.” Missouri Botanical Garden, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286583&isprofile=0&basic=ceiba%20trischistandra.
• “Ceiba trischistandra.” PlantZAfrica, http://pza.sanbi.org/ceiba-trischistandra.
• “White Silk Floss Tree.” The Morton Arboretum, https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/white-silk-floss-tree.