Ceiba pentandra

Kapok, silk cotton tree

Useful reference: 425

A tree native to tropical America, but now cultivated mostly in Southeast Asia for the production of waterproof down used in lifejackets and rafts. The oil from the seeds is used in edible products and soap. Ground seeds can be included up to about 70% in cattle diets; over this amount the mixture is not very palatable and may be refused. The oilcake is rather indigestible because of its fibre content and is used in livestock feeding in the same way as hemp cake. Oilcakes that have developed a soapy smell should not be fed to monogastrics as they may be toxic.