Chorisia speciosa (Ceiba speciosa)

La Chorisia speciosa It is a widely cultivated tree in temperate regions, since its flowers are showy. Although it can reach a large size, this does not have to be a negative as it provides good shade.

In addition, it grows quite fast, although don't worry: it is not a potentially invasive species, far from it, but it does you must reserve your space so that it can develop normally.

Origin and characteristics of Chorisia speciosa

La Chorisia speciosa, call now ceiba speciosa, is a deciduous tree that grows naturally in South America, specifically in tropical and subtropical forests. It is a plant that can grow between 10 and 20 meters high., and that it has a characteristic green trunk which widens in the lower third, and which may be protected by strong and thick conical thorns. In addition, by having chlorophyll, it is able to continue photosynthesis when the leaves are missing.

Said foliage sprouts from almost horizontal branches, and they are composed of 5-7 green leaflets. The flowers bloom in spring, measure between 10 and 15 centimeters in diameter, and have five pink petals.. The fruit is an ovoid-shaped woody pod that is 20 centimeters long. And the seeds are rounded, about one centimeter and dark in color.

It is popularly known as bottle tree, orchid tree, drunken stick, pink stick or wool tree, and it is widely cultivated in regions with tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates.

What uses is it given?

It is a tree that has several uses, which are:

• Ornamental: without a doubt it is the main one. Chorisia speciosa is a plant that is often planted in gardens, as an isolated specimen. In some countries it is even found on urban streets.
• fruit fiber: used for padding, packaging, paper or rope.
• hallucinogenic drinks: the oil that is extracted from the seeds is added to the ayuahuasca drink.

What care should be given to the Chorisia speciosa?

Growing a Chorisia speciosa in the garden is an experience you won't forget. The plant grows at a good pace, and even if it is young, it blooms as soon as you least expect it. In addition, it tolerates high temperatures (up to 38ºC) if it has water, and light frosts do not harm it too much. So, let's see how to take care of the drunk stick:

Location

It is a tree that, due to its size and its own needs as a species must be located outside. It is necessary that the sun gives it from its youth, because if it does not, it will not grow as we expect it to. It is also important that it is at least five meters from walls and pipes.

Likewise, it is highly recommended to plant it in the ground as soon as it measures at least 50 centimeters in height. In this way, it will be able to have a correct development.

Earth

• Flower pot: if you are going to keep it in a pot for a while, it is advisable to fill it with a quality substrate that contains peat or mulch, some organic fertilizer such as earthworm humus, and perlite or similar to improve drainage. For example, the universal substrate that they sell here is very good, since it retains moisture but at the same time allows the roots to breathe normally.
• Garden: not demanding. I have seen chorisias grow in clay soil, with a tendency to compact. In any case, it is preferable that the soil is light so that the tree can take root well.

Irrigation

La Chorisia speciosa it is a plant that does not really need much water if it is planted in the ground. Only if the weather is very dry and during the summer we will have to be aware and water 2 or 3 times a week. 

In the event that it is grown in a pot, as the substrate dries out more quickly, it will have to be watered more often and throughout the year. But it is important not to overwater, since doing so would drown the roots.

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to the drunk stick you have to pay it while it is growing, which is from spring to summer. Especially if it is growing in a pot, it is very interesting to apply mulch, guano or other fertilizer of organic origin.

You can also use fertilizers, but if so, it is especially important that you follow the instructions on the package, otherwise there would be a high risk of overdose.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds and cuttings in spring-summer. The seeds are sown in individual pots, preferably deeper than wide, with seed potting soil, and left in a sunny spot. Once the substrate is kept moist, they germinate after about a week.

The cuttings are taken in spring, and must be semi-woody. For them to take root, it is advisable to impregnate the base with powdered rooting hormones, and plant them in pots with vermiculite. Then they are placed in semi-shade.

Transplant

During the spring it will be a good time to plant it in the garden. If it is in a pot, it must be changed every 3 years.

Rusticity

La Chorisia speciosa resists frost up to -4ºC.

What did you think of this tree?