The wildlife of the Riviera Maya and its environment VI
Scientific: Ceiba pentandra Gaertn.
Maaya t’aan: Ya’ax che’, yáax che’
English: Kapok
Description: This tree can be very large, capable of reaching 70 meters (230 feet) in height in tall forest areas. It has a thick green trunk, bearing short spines. The branches usually spread horizontally, providing a lot of shade. The large leaves look a bit like human hands, and the fruits are filled with seeds, covered with a cotton-like material.
Habitat: Because of its great size, it requires sufficient soil and subterranean support for its deep roots; these often draw water from underground cenotes (limestone caves). For this reason large specimens are found very rarely in the low coastal forest, but more frequently in the medium forests.
Threats: Deforestation. Due to its local cultural importance, however, it is cut down only infrequently during land development.
Uses and beliefs: In the Maya language, its name can mean “green tree,” referring to the color of its trunk; or “first tree,” alluding to its importance in the traditional Maya worldview, in which it plays a key role in religious symbolism and ritual. For this reason, it is rarely cut down intentionally anywhere in our region. It also has a diverse range of practical uses: among others, an extract of its leaves and stems is used in traditional medicine, and the fibers from its seedpods are used to fill pillows. Its flowers attract pollinators, including honeybees and some species of bats.
How to protect it: Avoid cutting them down or removing them from the forest for transplantation. Cultivate them where there is enough soil and fresh water.
Where to observe it: A few of these trees can be seen in the protected forested areas on the hotel grounds and golf course.
