Definition

Noun: * Bombay ceiba: A large, tropical deciduous tree (Ceiba pentandra), also commonly known as the kapok tree or silk-cotton tree. It is characterized by a massive, often buttressed trunk with distinctive ridges, large seed pods filled with seeds covered in a silky, cotton-like fiber (kapok), and impressive height.

Usage

• The Bombay ceiba is a keystone species in many tropical forests, providing habitat and food for various animals.
• The fluffy fiber from the seed pods of the Bombay ceiba has been traditionally used for stuffing pillows and life jackets due to its buoyancy and lightness.
• Due to its immense size and striking appearance, the Bombay ceiba is often a landmark tree in the regions where it grows.

Advanced Usage

• The Bombay ceiba is sometimes referred to as the "silent cotton tree" in historical texts describing tropical botany.
• In some cultures, the Bombay ceiba is considered a sacred or symbolic tree.

Variants and Related Words

• Kapok tree: The most common synonym, referring directly to the commercially valuable fiber it produces.
• Silk-cotton tree: Another frequent common name, highlighting the silky quality of the seed fiber.
• Ceiba pentandra: The formal botanical (Latin) name for the species.
• Kapok (noun): The silky fiber obtained from the seed pods of this tree.

Synonyms

• Kapok tree
• Silk-cotton tree
• Ceiba tree (Note: is the genus name and can refer to related species)

Notes

• "Bombay ceiba" is a specific common name for . The inclusion of "Bombay" (now Mumbai, India) likely references a geographical point of introduction or historical trade of the tree or its kapok fiber.

Noun

1. massive tropical tree with deep ridges on its massive trunk and bearing large pods of seeds covered with silky floss; source of the silky kapok fiber