Daylillies on drunk trees; Chorisia insignis

     Chorisia insignis (silk floss tree, kapok, palo borracho, drunk tree) is an unusual tree. The weird green trunk with Hershey-kiss thorns swells up like a Buddha belly in age. When the tree is young, the bark is green and when it gets older it turns grayish-green. Trees have the capability of growing 12.2 meters (80 feet) tall in frost-free conditions. Plants usually grow to 14.4 meters (40 feet) tall if given root room here in Tucson. If plants have limited root room they will only grow as tall as they can "afford" to. The palmate leaves are deciduous. In spring large white to light yellow lily-like flowers cover the tree, sometimes persisting when leaves drop. Seed capsules burst with seed and a cottony substance called kapok. Click the following to see the trunk: http://38.167.166.81/data/PlantList/imag...

     Abundant water in the growing season can make a large tree quickly as they have been recorded to grow 5 meters (15 feet) a year in optimum conditions. Hardy to about 20 degrees F, although hardiness varies with individuals. Stem dieback may occur but the plants are quick to recover if watered properly. Prune damaged growth in spring. If plants freeze back they are prone to coming back from the base.This species is hardier than the more common C. speciosa. Can make a shade tree in warmer areas, or an interesting patio tree. Many bonsai them in large pots.

Click here to see the flower: http://38.167.166.81/data/PlantList/imag...      From South America. This unusual tree is the source of kapok (pillow stuffing). In deep soil this can become a good shade tree, otherwise it is grown for its spectacular flowers and interesting shape.

Go To Page: 1