Chorisia speciosa syn. Ceiba speciosa was named in honor of the artist and traveller Ludwig Choris (1795-1828). This tree is native to Argentina and Brazil, and is now grown in many tropical zones worldwide. This is a semi-decidious and fast growing tree, erect when young, but that acquires a spreading shape with age. This tree is easily identified thanks to the numerous spines that cover its green trunk.

This tree has a real exotic aspect, with very ornamental flowers and an uncommon trunk. It can be grown in mild temperate climates, as mature trees are known to withstand slight frosts of about 23°F (-5°C) and even sometimes lower. However, leaves are damaged at about 30°F. (-1°C)

This tree has pale-green, alternate, palmate and pinnate leaves with 5 to 7 lanceolate leaflets. They are slightly serrated and are up to 4-5 in (10-12.5 cm) long, with a long leaf stem.
This species is generally semi-decidious to decidious, depending on the climate. In temperate climates, it is a decidious tree that looses its leaves before blooming and when the temperature drops down to about 30°F. (-1°C)

Flowers are solitary and are up to 4-5 in (10-12.5 cm) wide. They are pink to red-pink, with a white center stained with brown spots. They are relatively variable in size and color. In temperate climates, flowers generally appear in early autumn.

Fruits are inedible capsules that are pear-shaped, and that can be up to 8 in (20 cm) long. They contain seeds that are protected with white silky fibers, which explains the common name of this tree, "floss silk tree".

Chorisia speciosa requiert l'exposition suivante : soleil

This tree likes deep and well-drained grounds that remain fairly moist.