Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in a park of Aspire Zone. Doha, Qatar, February 18, 2011Bombax aculeatum, Ceiba allenii, Ceiba salmonea, Chorisia speciosa, Spirotheca allenii, Spirotheca codazziana, Spirotheca rhodostyla, Spirotheca rimbachii, Spirotheca salmonea, Spirotheca trilobata
Drunken tree, silk floss tree, toborochi tree
Imported ornamental trees. Many trees die several years after their planting in parks of Qatar.
The silk floss tree (Ceiba speciosa, formerly Chorisia speciosa), is a species of deciduous tree native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America. It has a host of local common names, such as palo borracho (in Spanish literally "drunken stick"). It belongs to the same family as the baobab and the kapok. Another tree of the same genus, Ceiba chodatii, is often referred to by the same common names.
Ceiba speciosa, also known as the Silk Floss Tree, is an ornamental plant native to South America. In Qatar, it is commonly cultivated for its striking appearance and drought tolerance. It features large, showy flowers and a distinctive trunk with sharp conical spines. As an exotic species in Qatar's arid environment, Ceiba speciosa thrives in well-irrigated gardens and landscapes, often used as a decorative element due to its unique beauty and ability to tolerate the region's extreme temperatures.
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in a park of Aspire Zone. Doha, Qatar, February 18, 2011
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in a park of Aspire Zone in morning mist. Doha, Qatar, March 2, 2012
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in a park of Aspire Academy. Doha, Qatar, March 8, 2012
Rotten Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in a park of Aspire Zone. Doha, Qatar, April 26, 2013
Rotten bark on Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa) in a park of Aspire Zone. Doha, Qatar, April 26, 2013
Rotten trunk of Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa) in a park of Aspire Zone. Doha, Qatar, April 26, 2013
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) and Torch Hotel in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, March 29, 2014
Illuminated Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, March 29, 2014
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa) and Torch Hotel in Aspire Park at morning dusk. Doha, Qatar, March 29, 2014
Trunk of Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, November 23, 2014
Flower of Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, November 23, 2014
Blooming Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, November 23, 2014
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, April 9, 2015
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in Aspire Park at morning. Doha, Qatar, April 9, 2015
Trunk of silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, April 21, 2015
Silk floss trees (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) near a beach in Al Jassasiya, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, May 9, 2015
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) planted in Al Jassasiya, on north-eastern coast. Qatar, May 9, 2015
Crown of silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in Aspire Park at morning. Doha, Qatar, October 22, 2015
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in Aspire Park at dusk. Doha, Qatar, October 22, 2015
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in Aspire Park. Doha, Qatar, March 3, 2016
Silk floss tree (Chorisia speciosa, Ceiba speciosa, baobab family) in Aspire Park at dusk. Doha, Qatar, June 27, 2016The observations document the presence of Ceiba speciosa, also known as Silk floss tree, in Qatar. Most sightings were in Aspire Park, Doha, between 2011 and 2016. The tree was observed at different times of day and year, showcasing its various stages, including blooming flowers and rotten trunks. Some observations highlighted the tree's unique texture and illuminated appearance at dusk. A few sightings were also reported in Al Jassasiya, on the north-eastern coast of Qatar, where the trees were planted near a beach. Overall, the observations demonstrate the presence and persistence of Ceiba speciosa in Qatar's urban landscapes, particularly in Aspire Park, over a period of five years. The tree's adaptability and distinctive features are evident in the diverse range of observations recorded.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.