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Blunting Effect
Boring
Carving
Comments
Common Names
Common Uses
Countries of Distribution
Cutting Resistance
Distribution Overview
Drying Defects
Ease of Drying
Environmental Profile
Family Name
Gluing
Grain
Heartwood Color
Kiln Drying Rate
Kiln Schedules
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Natural Growth Defects
Numerical Data
Odor
Painting
Planing
Polishing
Product Sources
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Resistance to Splitting
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Synonyms
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Ceiba pentandra

Trade Name
Kapok tree

Family Name
Bombacaceae

Synonyms
Bombax pentandrum, Ceiba caribaea, Ceiba guineensis, Ceiba thonningii, Eriodendron anfractuosum, Eriodendron guineese, Eriodendron orientale


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Common Names
Algodon de manila, Araba, Arbol de algodon, Arbre a coton, Atgodon di Manila, Bana, Banan, Banda, Bantango, Bantehi, Batte ni ganī ken, Baumwollbaum, Baumwollenbaum, Bentang, Bentegnie, Bentegnievi, Benten, Betenbi, Bois coton, Bonga, Bongo, Bossongo, Bouday, Bouma, Bousana, Bulik, Buma, Busan, Busana, Cabellos de angel, Ceiba, Ceiba de Garzon, Ceiba de lana, Ceiba yuca, Ceibo, Ceibo jabillo, Ceibon, Corkwood, Cotonnier, Cottin, Cotton tree, Cottontree, Cutin, Cyyba, Doum, Egungun, Enia, Enyenoa, Fromager, Fromagier, Fuma, Ghe, Grand bois, Habillo, Kaddo bakkoe, Kakantrie, Kalngebard, Kankantrie, Kapok, Kapok tree, Kapokier, Koddobakkoe, Konde, Kumaka, M'fuma, Ngwe, Odouma, Ofua, Ogouma, Okha, Onyina, Pachote, Pailao, Peem, Piim, Piton, Pochote, Pochotl, Pochotle, Poxot, Seiba, Silk cotton tree, Silk-cotton, Silk-cotton-tree, Sumahuma da Varzea, Sumauma commum, Sumaumeira, White cotton-tree, Xiloxochitl, Zai-fuma

Regions of Distribution
Africa, Central America, Latin America, Oceania and S.E. Asia

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Australia, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Columbia, Congo, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Liberia, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico [US], Sierra Leone, South Africa, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Zaire

Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Bent Parts, Blockboard, Boat building (general), Boat building, Boxes and crates, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Casks, Chairs, Chemical derivatives, Chests, Cooperages, Core Stock, Cutting surfaces, Decorative plywood, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Drawer sides, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Food containers, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Insulating boards, Interior construction, Interior trim, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Light construction, Living-room suites, Matches, Millwork, Moldings, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: percussion, Musical instruments: strings, Office furniture, Packing cases, Paneling , Particleboard, Plain veneer, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Pulp/Paper products, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Raft floats, Rafts, Rustic furniture, Sporting Goods, Stools, Toys, Turnery, Utility furniture, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wainscotting

Environmental Profile
Rare
Widespread
Rare in parts of its natural range (population is at risk)
Likely rare at the periphery of its range
Data source is Nature Conservancy
Apparently secure globally
Abundant


Distribution Overview
Throughout the tropical world; from the Tropic of Cancer in Mexico southward through Central America to Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Ecuador. Also West Africa and Malay Peninsula. Characteristically an open-grown tree.

Heartwood Color
Brown
Yellow
White
Pale brown
White to cream
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Pale red to pink
Greenish to greyish
Reddish brown
Color varies considerably
Brown


Sapwood Color
Brown
Yellow
White
Same as heartwood
Clearly differentiated from the heartwood


Grain
Interlocked
Straight
Figure
Even
Growth rings (figure)
Other (figure)

Interlocked
Straight
Clear growth rings (figure)
Other figure
Moderately interlocked
Generally straight, but not always


Texture
Fine
Coarse
Medium
Coarse
Medium to coarse
Medium to coarse


Luster
High
Medium
Dull
Slightly lustrous
Lustrous


Natural Growth Defects
Rittleheart is often present.

Natural Durability
Perishable
Non-durable
Non durable
The sapwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Perishable
Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera)
The heartwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present
Susceptible to marine borer attack
Moderately resistant to marine borer attack

The timber is prone to insect attack and decay, and liable to blue-stain unless converted rapidly after felling

Odor
No specific smell or taste


Toxicity
Some toxic effects


Kiln Schedules
Drying (speed) is fast
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is fairly rapid
Dry at a moderate speed


Drying Defects
Slight twist/warp
Slight surface checking
Slight end splitting
Slight collapse and honeycomb
No twisting or warping
No surface checking
Moderate surface checking
Distortion (twist/warp) is likely

Timber should be dried promptly after conversion to minimize the possibility of microbial staining

Ease of Drying
Fairly Easy
Easy
Kiln dries well
Dries slowly
Air-dries rather well


Kiln Drying Rate
Fairly rapid (11-17 days for boards under 32 mm, to 31-51 days for boards greater than 63 mm)


Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is buttressed
Bole/stem form is cylindrical
Bole/stem form is straight


Tree Size
Tree height is 20-30 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm


Product Sources
The ITTO reports that the species is an important source of timber in Central America. It is exported regularly from producing countries, such as Brazil, into China and Japan. Timber production is not regular in Africa, and exports are low.

Ceiba is abundant and fast growing, but it is not considered as a major timber on the international market. The wood is similar to Balsa, but it is deemed less desirable because it is not as light. It is considered too soft and too weak to be of value as a construction or cabinetmaking timber.

Although Ceiba is not valued as an important source of timber in international commerce, the tree yields many secondary products. Very young unripe pods produced by the tree are eaten in Java, and seeds are crushed and used in soups in Africa. The seeds are also reported to contain 20 to 25% of an edible oil which is also used as a lubricant and for soap manufacture. In many parts of the world, Ceiba trees are reported to have sacred significance. The soft fiber surrounding the tiny seed produced by Ceiba trees, known as Kapok, is used locally to stuff mattresses and pillows, and also for insulation. The fiber is immune to fungi and insect attack and has also been used in life-jackets, life-buoys, upholstery, saddles, sleeping bags, surgical bandages, shoe linings, clothing for aviators, and other protective clothing. Kapok is about 8 times lighter than cotton and requires less in weight for stuffing than any other material. It also has low thermal conductivity, and is one of the best known acoustic insulators on a weight basis.

Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

General finishing qualities are rated as satisfactory

Blunting Effect
Moderate
Blunting effect on machining is slight
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is mild
Blunting effect on machining is moderate


Boring
Fairly easy to very easy
Fair to good results
Difficult
Moderately easy

The wood is extremely soft. It tends to tear out and leave woolly surfaces in boring operations

Carving
Fair to Good Results
Fair carving qualities


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is difficult
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy
Cutting resistance with dry wood is variable
Difficult to saw

The material is very soft and tends to tear out or leave fuzzy edges.

Gluing
Fair to Good Results
Easy to glue
Moderate gluing properties
Glues well


Mortising
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Finishes poorly
Difficult to mortise


Moulding
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Poor moulding results
Difficult to mould
Difficult moulding qualities

Torn grain and fuzzy surfaces are common

Movement in Service
Small
Medium
Large

The wood is fairly stable after seasoning, and exhibits medium movement after manufacture

Nailing
Pre-Boring Recommended
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Easy to nail
Nails hold poorly
Holds nails well
Good nailing qualities
Difficult to nail


Planing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Planes well, to a good finish
Difficult to plane
Planes to a satisfactory finish
Planes to a poor finish

Cutting edges must be kept very sharp since worked surfaces tend to be woolly

Resistance to Impregnation
Resistant sapwood
Resistant heartwood
Heartwood is permeable
Heartwood is treatable


Resistance to Splitting
Excellent


Response to Hand Tools
Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work
Easy to machine
Difficult to machine
Variable qualities
Moderate difficulty

Torn grain is a common occurrence.

Routing & Recessing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Sanding
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Good sanding finish
Difficult to sand
Poor results
Excellent sandind qualities


Screwing
Pre-boring recommended
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Easy to screw
Screwing yields good results
Poor results
Poor screw holding properties


Turning
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Difficult to turn
Poor results
Easy to turn

Turned surfaces tend to be fuzzy because the wood is very soft

Veneering Qualities
Suitable for peeling
Suitable for slicing
Veneers moderately easy
Veneers easily
Easy to cut
There is slight to moderate drying degrade and the potential for buckles and splits
Good gluing qualities
Suitable for slicing
Moderately easy to veneer
Bolt preparation requires steaming


Steam Bending
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Painting
Good results
Excellent results

The wood absorbs a lot of paint due to the coarse texture and prominent vessel lines

Polishing
Satisfactory results
Poor results
Good results


Staining
Finish is generally satisfactory
Staining (Characteristic) = coloured water-soluble extract
Finish is generally good


Strength Properties
Bending strength (MOR) = very low
Density (dry weight) = 15-22 lbs/cu. ft.
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = very low
Shrinkage, Radial = very small
Density (dry weight) = 23-30 lbs/cu. ft.
Hardness (side grain) = very soft
Shrinkage, Tangential = small
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low
Shrinkage, Tangential = very small
Density (dry weight) = <15 lbs/cu.ft.
Bending strength (MOR) = low
Shrinkage, Volumetric = moderate
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low
Work to Maximum Load = very low
Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate
Shrinkage, Radial = small
Soft
Shrinkage, Volumetric = small
Dents and mars easily
Compression strength (parallel to grain) = low

The wood has low density.

Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength28735153psi
Crushing Strength7662648psi
Density19lbs/ft3
Hardness281lbs
Impact Strength15inches
Maximum Crushing Strength11962676psi
Shearing Strength699psi
Static Bending17142411psi
Stiffness101712231000 psi
Work to Maximum Load59inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.22
Weight1915lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage2%
Tangential Shrinkage5%
Volumetric Shrinkage8%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength201362kg/cm2
Crushing Strength53186kg/cm2
Density304kg/m3
Hardness127kg
Impact Strength38cm
Maximum Crushing Strength84188kg/cm2
Shearing Strength49kg/cm2
Static Bending120169kg/cm2
Stiffness71851000 kg/cm2
Work to Maximum Load0.350.63cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.22
Weight304240kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage2%
Tangential Shrinkage5%

References
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Belize,1946,42 Secondary Hardwood Timbers of British Honduras,British Honduras Forest Department Bulletin,No.1

Berni, C.A., Bolza, E., Christensen, F.J.,1979,South American Timbers - The Characteristics, Properties and Uses of 190,Species,C.S.I.R.O Div. Building Research

Bhat, R.V., Singh, M.M.,1954,Indigenous cellulosic raw materials for the production of pulp paper and,board,XXII Wrapping Papers from Trema orientalis,Indian Forester,80(8, pp453-65

Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1954,Emien,Bois et Forets Tropiques,38,pp22-6

Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1975,Fromager,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,163,pp37-51

Bolza, E., Keating, W.G.,1972,African Timbers - the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 700 Species,C.S.I.R.O. Div. of Building Research

Boone, R.S., C.J. Kozlik, P.J. Bois, E.M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Hardwoods - Temperate and Tropical. USDA, Forest Service, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-57, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.

Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University

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Constantine, Jr., A. J. 1959. Know Your Woods - A Complete Guide to Trees, Woods, and Veneers. Revised Edition. Revised by H.J. Hobbs. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York.

Cooper, G.P., Record, S.J.,1931,The Evergreen Forests of Liberia,Yale School Forestry Bulletin,31,pp1-153

Dalziel, J.M.,1937,The Useful Plants of West Tropical Africa,Crown Agents for the Colonies

Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood A. Wood Species from African Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department

Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood B. Wood Species from S. American Tropical,Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department

Farmer, R.H.,1972,Handbook of Hardwoods,HMSO

Forest Products Research Laboratory, Nigeria,1965,Nigerian Timbers for Matchmaking,Nigeria Fed. Department of Forest Research, Ibadan, Forest Products,Research Laboratory Report No.5

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France - C.T.F.T.,1966,Bois Tropicaux,C.T.F.T. Publ.,12

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Ghana - Timber Marketing Board,1969,Ghana Hardwoods,Timber Marketing Board

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HMSO. 1972. Handbook of Hardwoods. 2nd Edition. Revised by R.H. Farmer. Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

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