The Kapok Tree.

 The Kapok Tree.

As I used to walk down the Keeaumoku street near my house to do groceries, I was intrigued by these giant trees growing in the compound of the Agricultural Department in Honolulu, King's street location.

I googled it and came to know that these are kapok trees, botanical name Ceiba pentandra.

A giant in the rainforests, the kapok tree can reach up to 200 feet in height, sometimes growing as much as 13 feet per year. Due to its extreme height, the kapok, or ceiba tree, towers over the other rainforest vegetation. The trunk can expand to nine or 10 feet in diameter.

The Buttress Roots

The kapok tree is widely spread around the world and occupies an important niche in the ecosystem of a rainforest. The kapok tree is found throughout the Neotropics, from southern Mexico to the southern Amazon and even to parts of West Africa. Because the unopened fruit won't sink when submerged in water, many believe the fruit of the kapok tree floated its way from Latin America to Africa.

The majestic kapok tree has many uses for humans. Its wood is lightweight and porous; good for making carvings, coffins, and dugout canoes. The silky fibers that disperse the seeds are too small for weaving but make great stuffing for bedding and life preservers. Soaps can be made from the oils in the seeds. Other parts of the giant tree are used as medicines.

A book is written by the author and artist Lynne Cherry titled 'The Great Kapok Tree A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest'. The author and artist Lynne Cherry journeyed deep into the rain forests of Brazil to write and illustrate her gorgeous picture book. The Great Kapok Tree has absolutely gorgeous illustrations and a beautiful message about wildlife preservation.

http://www.amazon.com/The Great Kapok Tree A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest-Amazon/dp/0152026142

The book--The great kapok tree.