Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Government officials will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call.

Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. (opens in new tab)

Heritage Trees of Singapore
NorthKapok2007

Kapok (HT 2007-153)

This Heritage Tree can be found in Singapore Zoological Gardens, behind the Orang Utan Enclosure.

A large tree surrounded by dense foliage with wooden climbing structures and ropes on a grassy area.

Heritage Tree Information

Reference ID
HT 2007-153

Scientific name: Ceiba pentandra
Family name: Malvaceae
Girth: 8.64 m @ 1.8 m height
Height: 31.8 m

Location
Singapore Zoological Gardens, behind the Orang Utan Enclosure (View Map) (opens in new tab)

The Kapok is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach up to 70 m in height. The trunks of younger trees are covered in sharp, conical prickles but will gradually become thorn-less as it matures. In matured specimens, the tree is often heavily buttressed. The branches are arranged in a tiered fashion, resembling a pagoda. It sheds its digitately-compound leaves before flowering and fruiting in response to drought although in cultivation, the tree might still flowers with a full canopy of leaves.

The cream-coloured flowers are nocturnal and milky scented, attracting pollinating bats. The fruits are large, hanging pods that split when ripe to release white fibre to which tiny black seeds are attached. The fibre is buoyant and water-resistant and was used in the past to stuff life-jackets, pillows and mattresses.

The Kapok originated from tropical America and is the National Tree of Puerto Rico.

This Heritage Tree was planted in 1972, a year before the zoo opened.

For more information on the species, please refer to NParks' Flora & Fauna Web profile. (opens in new tab)