CEIBA PENTANDRA Meaning and
Definition
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Ceiba pentandra, commonly known as the ceiba tree or kapok tree, is a species of tropical tree native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, as well as certain parts of West Africa. It is a member of the Malvaceae family and is characterized by its large, girthy trunk, wide-spreading branches, and buttress roots that provide stability in the tropical regions' dense soils.
With a towering height that can reach up to 230 feet (70 meters) and a diameter of about 10 feet (3 meters), the ceiba pentandra is considered one of the tallest and largest trees in the tropical rainforest ecosystem. It features large, palmate leaves that are usually composed of five to nine leaflets, which provide a lush, green canopy.
The tree is also notable for its distinctive fruits, which are elongated, oval-shaped capsules filled with silky, cotton-like fibers surrounding numerous seeds. These fibers are often used as natural insulation, cushioning material, and fillers for pillows, mattresses, and life jackets due to their buoyancy and thermal properties. Additionally, the ceiba pentandra is a significant cultural symbol in various indigenous cultures, known for their spiritual and sacred associations.
Due to their size and wide distribution, ceiba trees play a vital ecological role in their habitat, as they provide shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for a variety of organisms, including birds, bats, primates, and insects. Furthermore, their expansive roots help prevent soil erosion and improve water infiltration, contributing to the overall health of the forest ecosystem.
Common Misspellings for CEIBA PENTANDRA
- xeiba pentandra
- veiba pentandra
- feiba pentandra
- deiba pentandra
- cwiba pentandra
- csiba pentandra
- cdiba pentandra
- criba pentandra
- c4iba pentandra
- c3iba pentandra
- ceuba pentandra
- cejba pentandra
- cekba pentandra
- ceoba pentandra
- ce9ba pentandra
- ce8ba pentandra
- ceiva pentandra
- ceina pentandra
- ceiha pentandra
Etymology of CEIBA PENTANDRA
The word "Ceiba" is derived from the Taíno word "seiba", which was the original name for the tree in the Taíno language. The Taíno people were indigenous to the Caribbean, including areas such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, where the Ceiba tree is native.
"Pentandra" is a Latin term that means "five stamens", referring to the five stamens present in the flowers of the Ceiba Pentandra tree. The name was given to the tree by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who classified and named many species in the 18th century using Latin terms.
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