The Kapok Tree - Key West, FL
Posted by: 
jiggs11
N 24° 33.311 W 081° 48.240
17R E 418577 N 2715932
Key West's famous Kapok Tree, whose fibers provided the floatation to countless Mae West lifejackets in World War II.
Waymark Code: WM1906T
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 11/01/2023
Views: 1
The Kapok tree in front of the Monroe County Courthouse in Key West is an example of species Ceiba Pentandra, native to Indonesia. The Kapok, also known as the Silkcotton Tree, can grow up to 130 feet, at about 10 feet a year.
It is characterized by a full canopy and a very broad buttress base, similar to banyan trees.
The Kapok is sacred to the Mayan culture, who believe a departed soul can ascend to the heavens by climbing its branches.
The lightweight nature of its fibres was evidenced by its use in Mae West Floatation jackets during the Second World War.
Today most commercial kapok products come the Indonesian island of Java.
Genus/Species: Ceiba Pentandra
Height: 100
Girth: 18
Method of obtaining height: Sighting along a 45 degree angle
Method of obtaining girth: Arm reaching
Location type: Other public property
Age: 80
Website reference: [Web Link]
Walk time: 1
Historical significance: Not listed
Planter: Not listed
Parking coordinates: Not Listed
Photograpy coordinates: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
A closeup picture of your GPS receiver in your hand, with the tree in the background, is required. If the tree is on private property, this closeup photograph with the tree in the background may be taken from the nearest public vantage point without actually going to the tree.
The required photograph does not need to show the entire tree, but the individual tree must be recognizable.