Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Ceiba pentandra
Food
Fuelwood
Medicinal
Product
English Common Name
Kapok Tree
Indonesian Common Name
Kapuk randu, Randu, Kapas
Tree Family
Malvaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
15cm
Length
×
2-3cm
Width
Tree Height
Large (> 35m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–900m
0 3000
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Exotic in Indonesia

Native to

Region
Americas

Exotic in

SE Asia
Cambodia, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Vietnam
Indonesia
Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, Sulawesi, Sumatra

Coffee Agroforestry Information

Coffee System
Robusta
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Unknown
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Regenerates Naturally
Tree Management

Plant at 7.3 x 7.3 m. Thinning only necessary if a cover crop is grown. Insect and bat pollinated. Long-lived tree

Tree Benefits and Uses

Farmer Uses
  • Food
  • Fuelwood
  • Medicinal
  • Product

Its seeds, fibers, cotton, and dye are used to make pillows and mattresses, the oil and fruit/vegetable are consumed, and the leaves are used for hair care. Compressed fresh leaves are used against dizziness, a decoction of the boiled roots is used to treat swelling, the gum is eaten to relieve stomach upset, a decoction of the tender shoots is used as a contraceptive, and a leaf infusion is taken orally against cough and hoarse throat. The leaves are pounded together with fermented boiled rice water to make an extract that is administered (dosing at approximately 500 ml three times a day for three consecutive days) to cows orally as a remedy for reproductive problems.

Farm Services
  • Unknown

Maintains water regulation and quantity.

Biodiversity Benefits
Yes

Used for foraging and perching by many bird species