Pochote

Ceiba aesculifolia

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Basic Information

Family: Malvaceae

Genus: ceiba

Plant ID (slug): ceiba-aesculifolia

Numeric ID: 25311

USDA Hardiness: 10-12

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Ceiba aesculifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Central America - Costa Rica north to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Edible portion: Fruit, Seeds. Young leaves - cooked[ 317 ] Ripe fruits are eaten stewed[ 317 ]. The young tender fruits are sometimes cooked and eaten[ 331 ]. Seeds - roasted[ 317 , 331 ].

Medicinal Uses

Emetic Purgative Skin A plant recommended for digestive disorders. In the State of Mexico it is used as a purgative and emetic and Quintana Roo only as an emetic. In Yucatan fermented bark is used for sunstroke.

Known Hazards

None known

Detailed Information

Additional Information

Title: Ceiba aesculifolia Pochote