The genus of exotic ceiba trees (ceiba, sumaum, kapok, cotton tree) belongs to the subfamily of the malvov bombing family and is a distant relative of the baobabs. In total, scientists count 10 species of this plant. It is distributed in the tropical climatic zone: in Central, South America, Thailand, Indonesia and West Africa. For the most part, these are mighty tall trees, distinguished by a set of bright features.
Botanical Description
Some species, such as chorizia (ceiba magnificent), reach a height of 50-60 m, towering above other trees. The trunks of adult specimens are thick, in the butt part they have significant thickenings, reaching 2.5 m in diameter. They serve as a kind of reservoir for storing moisture. For such a structure, a ceibu is often called a bottle tree. The gray-green bark of trunks and branches is densely dotted with thick spikes in the shape of cones (pictured).
The root system grows widely, but does not have a central stem and is located not deep from the surface: only 40-60 cm. This causes the shaft of adult trees to be severe hurricanes. At a height of several meters from the ground, the trunks have multi-level outgrowths, similar to boards - buttresses, the length of which is from 2 to 7 m. Botanists did not agree on the reasons for their formation. Supposedly, outgrowths appear due to frequent strong winds that trees are forced to withstand. The branches form a spreading huge crown, shaped like an umbrella. Often whole ecosystems are hidden in its depths. Ceiba is home to many insects, birds, frogs, snakes, lizards, small species of monkeys.
Ceiba leaves are palmate, dark green, sessile, wedge-shaped or ovoid, with serrated edges, located on the cuttings opposite to 5-15 pieces. Outwardly, they resemble ash.
Ceiba flowers are noteworthy. Bisexual, in shape they resemble the mallow, popular in many front gardens - cups with five oblong petals ranging in size from 2 to 15 cm. Hues range from almost white to bright pink, purple and burgundy. The aroma of the flowers is very strong, but quite specific and not everyone likes. At the same time, ceibes are good honey carriers, invariably attracting bees near them. The color remains on the tree for several weeks, then falls off, covering the ground like a carpet. Vitamins, tannins, saponins and lignins were found in flower petals resembling biochemical properties and outwardly hibiscus. This made it possible to use them as an anti-inflammatory agent for colds and rheumatic diseases.
Ceibes are deciduous trees. After dropping the greens in the dry winter period, the flowers only bloom, they are pollinated and the fruit ovary. After a few weeks, they are fully formed, presenting five-rounded rounded capsules that look like avocados. Outside they are greenish-brown, bare. Inside, densely lined with long, light hairs resembling cotton or silk. Fluffy fibers fall off after maturation and opening of the capsules. In a season, one adult tree can produce up to 4000 fruits. Ceiba for this feature was called the cotton tree, and locals often call it a woolen tree.
The seeds are rounded small, about 5-6 mm in size, black or brown, in the boxes they are separate from the kapok. Inside the seed contains a large amount of fatty oil, which contains valuable oleic and linoleic acids. It is used as a technical lubricant, for soap making, cooking and the production of therapeutic ointments.
Ceiba breeding usually occurs by seed. They retain their germination for 1 year, they germinate easily and quickly when they enter a favorable environment. It is possible to obtain new specimens in a vegetative way, by planting rooted cuttings. Woolen wood prefers fertile, slightly alkaline or neutral soils, resistant to drought, but does not tolerate long and severe cold weather. Frosts are fatal to him.
Young ceiba is growing very fast. In the early years, tree trunks can extend up to 5 m. This recalls the kinship with baobabs. Fruiting usually begins at 7-8 years, from this period growth slows down.
Using
From low species of ceiba, breeders breed bonsai varieties. In conservatories or rooms, brightly blooming dwarf trees serve as an unusual piece of decor, attracting the eye.
Mayans considered Ceibas sacred. According to their beliefs, the tree is the axis of the universe: its roots descend into the afterlife, the trunk passes through reality, and the crown rushes to the heavenly abode, where the gods live. Images of spiked trunks are often found on funeral urns and walls of shrines.
The veneration of the tree in the homeland is very great. Chorizia is the state symbol of Guatemala, several cities are named after it. Adult ceibes leave to grow, even if they are located on construction sites. Buildings are often erected in such a way that the walls bend around tree trunks.
The cotton bark was used by the Indians to make a specific potion that changes consciousness and introduces into a trance. After drinking the Maya, they could communicate with the souls of the dead, as with living people.
Due to the lightness, elasticity, as well as the high sound and heat insulation properties of kapok, as fruit fluffy fibers are called, it is considered an excellent material for filling upholstered furniture, car seats, life jackets and other necessary equipment. Hair consists mainly of cellulose, a little silky to the touch. After processing with special compositions, the kapok loses flammability and can serve as a replacement for similar synthetic fillers. Despite the fact that the material is not suitable for the manufacture of fabrics, due to its practical qualities, hypoallergenicity, it is widely in demand and has been produced on an industrial scale for several decades.
Ceiba bark is a common raw material for the manufacture of technical brown dye.
Decoctions and juice from leaves and bark is used by the inhabitants of Africa to prepare therapeutic agents for infectious, inflammatory diseases, fever, rickets, swelling, pain in the heart and stomach, purulent wounds and ulcers.
The infusion of flowers is used as a health and vitamin drink for physical weakness, colds and stomach diseases.
Cotton tree shoots and foliage are used to feed livestock.
Wood
Ceiba refers to the "cubic" rocks. A large specimen with a trunk section of 1 m is capable of producing about 8 cubic meters. m. lumber. The array of logs has a light yellow, cream or slightly pinkish hue with noticeable touches. After drying, it becomes lighter. The sapwood is almost no different from the core. Growth rings are distinct. The structure of the fibers is large. Sometimes the layers are oblique. The surface of the wood is dull, without gloss, rough to the touch. Smoothing wool requires careful selection of tools.
Ceiba is a soft material. There are very few mineral inclusions in the composition. In dry form, its density is not more than 450 kg / m3. Sites close to the crust are harder. Wood can be easily processed, it absorbs paints and varnishes well, as it is very hygroscopic due to softness and large pores. The ability to hold fasteners in this loose material is one of the lowest.
Ancient Indians carved pies, canoes, shoes and dishes from trees. Buttresses were used to create the walls of temporary dwellings.
In the process of hollowing and turning, the ceiba is cracked. It is best suited for the manufacture of peeled and planed veneers and glued decorative materials, flexible plywood. Boxes are made of wood and veneer, inexpensive furniture is made, and used for the construction of fences and short-term buildings. Waste becomes raw material for paper, matches, ropes.