Silk-cotton tree

Among the most curious and fascinating trees in the Botanical Garden of Palermo is Ceiba speciosa, a deciduous tree native to South America, also known as False kapok or ‘bottle tree’ due to its unique flask shape, which has earned it the colloquial name ‘palo borracho’ (‘drunken tree’) in its countries of origin.

This species, native to the tropical forests of South America, has a series of morphological and anatomical adaptations that allow it to thrive in environments characterised by periods of drought.

The most distinctive feature of Ceiba speciosa is its imposing, succulent trunk, which is swollen at the base. This structure is a true evolutionary strategy: it acts as a water reserve, allowing the tree to withstand long periods of drought.

The trunk is marked by characteristic longitudinal streaks of green bark, containing chlorophyll, through which the plant photosynthesises when it has no leaves.

The trunk is also protected by large conical thorns that reduce transpiration and act as a mechanical defence.

While many trees prepare for dormancy, Ceiba speciosa offers its most beautiful display in autumn. Flowering, which lasts until December, fills the canopy with large solitary flowers, similar to those of the hibiscus, with shades ranging from creamy white to pink to violet.

After pollination, large ovoid dehiscent capsules develop, which open when ripe, releasing numerous seeds wrapped in a water-repellent, lightweight fibre. This soft white fluff, once used for padding, is the origin of the common name “false kapok”.

The introduction of Ceiba speciosa is a perfect example of the crucial role played by the Botanical Garden of Palermo in the process of acclimatisation and dissemination of new species. Introduced from Brazil around 1896, the plant was noticed in 1910 in a garden in Palermo by botanist Michele Lojacono Pojero, who provided a description and notes on its biology and ecology, recognising its great potential as a decorative tree for the urban landscape. His vision became a reality in 1930, when this species began to spread widely as a valuable feature in parks and gardens throughout the island.

The “avenue of the chorisias” is the ideal place to admire these specimens at the Palermo Botanical Garden, some of which have taken on monumental characteristics.