Silk Cotton tree (Ceiba ‘ pentandr a
Gaertn.) is a fast-growing deciduous species
of family Batnbacaceae, growing to a height
of 25 m to 30 m with a diameter of 1.5 m
to 1.8 m. It occurs mainly in the tropics,
where it is a component of secondary
forest. The tree has been introduced from
Burma to the Southern part of Chittagong.
In the villages of Chittagong, it is often
planted for its fruit. The fruit gives
silk cotton (floss) which is the true ‘Kapok’
of commerce. This floss is superior in
quality than that obtained from the fruit
of Simul (Bombax Spp.) (Gamble 1972).
Being elastic, the floss is mostly used for
filling and stuffing cushions, pillows,
mattresses and saddles. As it is light
and impervious to water, the floss
is eminently suitable for use in life