the kapok tree is also called the silk-cotton tree. there is a majestic one in the singapore botanic gardens. that particular tree has been identified as one of the 11 national heritage trees found growing in the s'pore botanic gardens.
the tree, planted in 1933, is nearly 80 years old. it has a girth of 6.2m and a height of 43m, making it one of the tallest trees in the garden. the tree has buttress roots and you can see that the roots have snaked over a very wide area.
i came across two kapok trees at west coast park. i have also seen quite a number of kapok trees at kent ridge park, growing near the fitness stations.
the kapok (floss) is light and fluffy and it is resistant to water and decay. in the past, it was commonly used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, jackets and furniture.
in the old days i used to watch my mother changing the stuffings of the pillows and bolsters. i think the material she used to stuff the pillows and bolsters was this kapok.
2 comments:
You seem to have an interest in plants and trees. Maybe you can share your articles with the Nparks website called Garden Voices.
no, i don't think i am qualified to write about plants and trees. i just like to know more about the flora that i come across during my walk.
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