Kapok tree

Scientific name: Ceiba pentandra

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 55.48″ N, 64° 49′ 48.94″ W

Observations:

**Phenological Markers – Kapok Tree (Ceiba pentandra)**

1. Leaf Drop (Deciduous Behavior)
Kapok trees are deciduous, typically shedding their leaves during the dry season, especially between January and March in St. Croix.

This leafless phase often coincides with or just precedes flowering.
The massive, buttressed trunk and bare limbs during this time give the tree a dramatic, sculptural look.

Observation Tips:

Track start and end of leafless period.
Photograph bare branch structure to contrast later phenophases.

2. Flowering
Kapok produces large, creamy-white to pale pink flowers, rich in nectar and adapted for bat pollination.

Flowering typically occurs during the late dry season (February–April), often while the tree is still bare.
Flowers open at night and last only a day or two, with heavy fragrance and copious nectar.
In some years, flowering is prolific; in others, it may be sparse or skipped altogether.

Observation Tips:

Monitor for buds, peak bloom, and flower drop.
Note bat or moth activity in the evening and early morning.
Collect fallen flowers for reference and public engagement.

3. Fruiting
Following flowering, large, green, oval seed capsules form and mature over several months.

Capsules split open to release cottony fibers (kapok) attached to seeds, aiding in wind dispersal.
Fruiting typically occurs during the mid to late wet season (July–September).

Observation Tips:

Watch for capsule swelling, color change, and splitting.
Record kapok release and dispersal timing, particularly after rain or wind.
Fallen fibers can cover the ground or cling to nearby branches.

4. Leaf Flush (New Growth)
New leaf growth begins shortly after flowering or alongside fruiting.

Leaves are palmately compound, with 5–9 leaflets that emerge soft and light green.
Leaf flush restores the canopy by late spring to early summer.

Observation Tips:

Track leaf bud swelling, first flush, and canopy density over time.
Young leaves may be bronze-tinged, becoming glossy green as they mature.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

Jan–Mar: Leaf drop
Feb–Apr: Flowering
Apr–Jun: Leaf flush begins
Jul–Sep: Fruiting, kapok dispersal
Oct–Dec: Full canopy