THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TREE IN THE WORLD?

Moi, St. Petersburg, Florida
The Kapok is in it's final stages of blooms

Chorisia Speciosa
or The Red Silk Floss Tree

While visiting the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Art I passed through its gardens in the back area and was stopped by this breath-taking tree that appeared to be filled with red orchids. One of the Museum employees saw us oogling it and told us it was a Kapok tree. The Kapok I learned refers to the pods and the silk floss is contained inside.

Closeup of the blooms that appear similar to hibiscus, orchids or lilies.

The Kapok is listed as one of the top five most beautiful trees in the world. While it is not a Florida native, it is very drought resistant and does well here. The tree is filled with blooms on bare branches in late Fall and Winter.

The silk floss from the Kapok's pods

The silk floss is too slippery for textiles but is used to stuff mattresses and cushions.

I feel so lucky to have seen one of the world's most beautiful trees.