white silk-cotton tree
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A large tropical tree (Ceiba pentandra) characterized by a massive trunk with deep ridges, producing large seed pods covered in silky, cotton-like fibers. It is the primary source of the commercially important kapok fiber.
Examples
- Noun:
- The towering white silk-cotton tree is a landmark in the village square.
- Kapok, harvested from the pods of the white silk-cotton tree, is used for stuffing pillows and life jackets.
Advanced Usage
- Botanical Significance: The white silk-cotton tree is often considered a "pioneer species," one of the first trees to colonize cleared land in tropical regions.
- Cultural/Ecological Role: Due to its immense size and distinctive appearance, it frequently holds cultural or spiritual significance in local communities and provides habitat for various animals.
Variants and Related Words
- Kapok tree: A common synonym for the white silk-cotton tree, emphasizing its commercial product.
- Ceiba tree: Another name, derived from its genus name .
- Kapok (n): The light, silky fiber obtained from the seed pods of this tree.
- Ceiba pentandra (n): The formal botanical name for the species.
Synonyms
- Kapok tree
- Ceiba tree
- Java cotton tree
Related Phrases / Terms
- Silk-cotton: Refers to the characteristic fluffy fiber produced by the tree.
- Buttressed trunk: Describes the large, ridge-like supports typical of the mature white silk-cotton tree.
Noun
- 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