The official tree of Puerto Rico is the ceiba, also called silk-
cotton tree or kapok tree. Often the tallest tree in the forest,
the ceiba attains heights of 150 feet and has a ridged columnar
trunk and a massive umbrella-shaped canopy. Its far-reaching
limbs often host aerial plants, such as moss and bromeliads. The
ceiba was important to the island’s indigenous Taínos because
its thick trunks were perfect for carving into canoes. Its
flowers are small and inconspicuous, but it produces a large
ellipsoid fruit that, when split open, reveals an abundance of
fluffy fibers, called kapok. Arguably Puerto Rico’s most
beautiful tree, though, is the flamboyan, also known as royal
poinciana. If you visit the island between June and August,
you’re sure to notice the abundance of reddish-orange blooms
that cover the flamboyan’s umbrella-shaped canopy. It is a
gorgeous sight to behold. The tree is also distinguished by
fernlike leaves and the long brown seedpods it produces.
Probably the most plentiful and easily ident