Andrea U.
7/9/2025
This famous Kapok tree is surrounded by roosters. It's a very famous silk cotton tree. It grows to 130 feet tall. It was the secret of the Mayan people who believe souls of the dead, climbed on it...
The Kapok tree
(4)
Photos
502 Whitehead St
Key West, FL 33040
The Kapok Tree in Key West, FL is a popular attraction and one of the most photographed trees in the area. This tropical tree, also known as the Java cotton, is native to various regions including Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Standing at an impressive height of 130 feet with a substantial trunk, it features compound leaves and produces seed pods containing oil used locally in soap and as fertilizer. The tree's fluffy, yellowish fiber, which was previously utilized in life jackets, is light, buoyant, resilient, and water-resistant.
With its rich cultural significance as a sacred symbol in Mayan mythology, The Kapok Tree offers visitors a glimpse into the natural beauty and diverse flora of Key West. Its towering presence, unique characteristics, and historical uses make it a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to explore the tropical wonders of the region.
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Reviews
4.54 reviews
Robert S.
2/3/2023
This Kapok Tree, located near where US-1 starts is one of Key Wests most photographed trees. A survey of Key West in April 2018 uncovered eight ceiba trees in six sites. Locally, the Ceiba...
Devaneé T.
8/6/2023
Pretty cool tree. Took some cool pics and videos around it. If you're ever in the area, you should definitely stop by.
Tanja N.
12/27/2020
The Kapok Tree known also as Java cotton is usually seen in South America and Western Africa. It is a sacred in Mayan mythology. It grows around 10ft or 3 m yearly, but what in my opinion makes it...
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