Ceiba speciosa ( Chorisia Speciosa )

Broadly conical, slow-growing, semi-evergreen tree with long-stalked, pinnate leaves, to12cm long, composed of 5-7 lance-shaped, often toothed leaflets. Open funnel-shaped, cream or white flowers, 10cm or more across, the upper parts of the petals reddish violet or yellowish white, are produced singly from the leaf axils in autumn. The pear-shaped, green then brown fruit contain seeds encased in silky floss. Height to 15m, Spread 1.5m. Native of Brazil, Argentina.