Family: Bombacaceae

Defining Characteristics: The Kapok grows to about 40 m in height.  It has a broad crown of leaves that are alternate.  The leaves crowd toward the tips.  The trunks can also have very distinguishable spikes.  The flowers are pink, yellow, or white.  It has dry fruit that has gray kapok fibers and seeds.  This tree is located in wet to seasonally dry forest, secondary forest, and pastures.  It is native. 

Ecological Role: The Kapok is pollinated by bats and is also visited by many insects (especially ants).  The Kapok is also a good home for monkeys.