Ceiba pentandra
(Redirected from Kapok seed oil)
Ceiba pentandra is a tropical tree species belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is one of the most prominent species in its genus, Ceiba. The tree is known by various common names, including kapok, silk cotton tree, and god tree.
Description[edit | edit source]
The Ceiba pentandra is a large tree, often reaching up to 70 meters in height. The trunk is cylindrical, buttressed, and can reach a diameter of 3 meters. The bark is smooth and gray, with conical spines. The leaves are palmate and compound, with 5 to 9 leaflets. The flowers are white or pink, with five petals. The fruit is a large, oval pod containing seeds surrounded by a fluffy, yellowish fiber known as kapok.
Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]
Ceiba pentandra is native to the tropical regions of Central America, South America, and West Africa. It has been introduced to other tropical regions around the world. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soils and is often found in rainforests, riverbanks, and savannahs.
Uses[edit | edit source]
The most significant use of Ceiba pentandra is the extraction of kapok, a light, water-resistant fiber used in the manufacture of mattresses, pillows, life jackets, and insulation. The wood of the tree is also used in the construction of canoes, furniture, and in paper production. In traditional medicine, various parts of the tree are used to treat conditions such as fever, asthma, and dysentery.
Ecology[edit | edit source]
Ceiba pentandra plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. The tree's flowers provide a source of nectar for bats and bees, while the large seed pods provide food for monkeys and birds. The tree's large size and extensive root system also help to prevent soil erosion.
Conservation[edit | edit source]
While Ceiba pentandra is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, it faces threats from deforestation and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the tree's natural habitat and promoting sustainable harvesting practices.
See also[edit | edit source]
This tree-related article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD