click here for flickr image
KAPOK TREE IN FRONT OF ST PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Kapok (Ceiba pentandra)
There is a splendid example of a kapok tree at the corner of Beach Drive and Central Avenue on the front lawn of the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts. As I mentioned in an earlier post, It’s Not All Palm Trees, there are several unusual trees growing in Florida. The kapok is one of them. This article from the MFA, What’s that tree out in front of the Museum?, describes the tree and has a very nice close-up of the tree’s flowers.
Rather than me detail what a kapok tree is, please see this very readable one page discussion of kapok trees at Blue Planet Biomes/Kapok, a site created and developed by West Tisbury K-8 School (Martha’s Vineyard) teacher Elisabeth Benders-Hyde which she based on a biome project by Ann and Karl Nelson, 6th grade math and science teachers. I’m not sure how long that site will be up; so, I’ve taken the liberty of listing part of its bibliography below. However, do try their page; it’s excellent. Here’s the working links from their bibliography:
click here for flickr image
CLOSE-UP OF KAPOK TREE PODS AND LEAVES
The Kapok Tree Restaurant
Time was, however, that if you mentioned the “Kapok Tree” to anyone in the Tampa Bay area, they would know you meant the Kapok Tree Restaurant up in Clearwater. When I was a baby professor back in 1969, the entire faculty and staff of the University of South Florida School of Music–then just a small department of music–would be treated to dinner at this restaurant at the beginning of each academic year. The Kapok Tree was a palace of kitsch that was THE place to take out-of-town company and to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays. It is no longer a functioning restaurant, but much of its unique interior has been preserved, although the space has been carved into three businesses only one of which has anything to do with food (a catering company). The Kapok Tree has a devoted following. Below are two sites by fellow fans of this Floridiana classic establishment (Ben’s is a “must see” site) and an article from the St. Pete Times about the history of the restaurant and the recent passing of its founder.
- Ben’s Tribute To Clearwater’s Fabled Kapok Tree Restaurant–Benzplace (great, OLD pictures with lots of history and walk-through slide shows; a real tribute site, not to be missed)
- The former Kapok Tree Restaurant Gardens–Virtual Tourist (good pictures of the old restaurant)
- Kapok Tree Founder
There are more unusual Florida trees waiting for posts. One of my absolute favorites is the Jacaranda mimosifolia, but that will have to wait until summer when its numerous, delicate purple flowers are in bloom. However, not all flowering trees need to be in bloom to be interesting, visually. The kapok tree is one of those. The tangle of its limbs cantilevering at improbable angles invites a whole village of hobbits to rest in its arms.
click on larger image for closeup
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I took a picture of what I think is a kapok tree while on vacation in Key West, Florida. I would like to email it to you for your opinion as to if it is a kapok tree.
I’d love to see your picture, but I’m not good at identifying trees. I’ve been mailing my pictures to the county extension agent. That’s their specialty and the service is part of what your government provides you. I would recommend you send your picture there. If you have trouble finding their internet address, let me know the county you live in and maybe I can help.
Hi, There are different sub species of the “kapok” is what I have been told. I have one in my back yard if you would like a pic. It does seem to have the texture as well as trunck but mine is tall and straight . I was offered 35 grand for it a few yrs ago but I love this tree more than money!
In my excitement over seeing this beautiful kapok tree pic of yours I was going to use it for my desktop picture and clicked on it to save not realizing it was copyrighted…I am so sorry! I will not use it at all. What an oustanding picture and tree! It reminded me of another tree in Florida called The Treaty Tree which my friend took a picture of and sent me an acorn from. It is a very old Oak tree rather like this tree here. Anyway, please accept my apologies and assurance that I will not use your picture…in fact I will find it and delete it from my computer.
Many Blessings…
Akasa, you’re quite welcome to use my picture of the kapok tree as your desktop picture! No problem. I’m flattered.
Hilton
Thank you so much Hilton! How very generous of you! I have a love of trees…and will enjoy this picture for a long, long time. Would you mind terribly if I use it as a blog header? I know I’m pushing my luck here but it doesn’t hurt to ask. I had already deleted it too! My blog is here in case you want to pop over and check me out…http://akasawolfsong.blogspot.com/
and if you go here you will see a picture of The Treaty Tree I was telling you about…http://mellington.blogspot.com/
Once again I thank you so very, very much!
Blessings on the Gentle Winds,
Akasa
Sure you can use it as a header. Sorry I didn’t get back to you soon. I moderate all comments and I wasn’t online last night. Just now catching up. Glad you like the picture Will check out your site later today. All the best… Hilton
Indeed, this is some kind of spectacular tree!
If you are into trees, by all means next time you visit Jacksonville, check out the Treaty Oak. I not only grew up here, but have been home to roost for the last 15 years. I new the name but had never seen the tree til last month. Oh what stories I think it could tell if we could just be quiet long enough to sit and listen.
Merry ME