Species of large tropical tree native to the New World and Africa, was transported to Asia. It is now grown primarily in Java, Africa, Brazil, India, and Central America. The soft fibers covering the seeds are used for stuffing. Seeds may be processed to obtain oil for making soap, and the residue is used as fertilizer and cattle feed. The wood does not hold screws or nails well, but the timber is used for paper and other products. Local peoples have long used kapok logs for carving into canoes.
