Kepuh

Kepuh refers to a genus of plants in the family Malvaceae, commonly known as the silk cotton or kapok trees. The most well-known species within this genus is Ceiba pentandra, also called the kapok tree. This species is native to tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia.

The kapok tree is a large, deciduous tree that can grow to impressive heights, often exceeding 70 meters. It is characterized by its distinctive buttress roots and a smooth, often spiny trunk. The most notable feature of Ceiba pentandra is its fruit, which contains a fluffy, cotton-like fiber. This fiber, known as kapok, is lightweight, water-repellent, and buoyant, making it historically useful for stuffing pillows, mattresses, upholstery, and life jackets. It was also used as insulation and for making fire starters.

While kapok fiber has largely been replaced by synthetic materials, the kapok tree remains significant in its native habitats. It provides shade, its wood is used for carving and making light furniture, and its leaves and bark have traditional medicinal uses in some cultures. The tree also plays an ecological role, supporting various wildlife. Other species within the Kepuh genus share some characteristics with Ceiba pentandra, though Ceiba pentandra is the most widely recognized and economically important.