1. Pollination: Kapok trees are generally pollinated by insects such as bees and wasps, which are attracted to the large and vibrant flowers. The kapok tree produces large and showy flowers that attract pollinators with their nectar rewards and distinctive scent.
2. Fertilization: When pollinators visit the kapok flowers, they transfer pollen from the male anthers to the receptive stigma of the female flowers, leading to fertilization and the initiation of seed development.
3. Fruit Formation: After successful fertilization, the kapok ovaries develop into large, brown, spherical seed pods, which are commonly known as kapok pods or capsules. These seed pods can range from 6 to 18 inches in diameter and contain numerous seeds embedded in a fluffy fiber known as floss or kapok.
4. Seed Dispersal: When the seed pods ripen and mature, they split open, exposing the seeds and floss, ensuring efficient seed dispersal. The floss, which is abundant and lightweight, acts as a natural buoyancy aid, allowing the seeds to be carried away from the parent tree by wind and air currents, aiding in seed dispersal over long distances.
5. Germination: The kapok seeds are oval in shape and covered with a hard seed coat. When the seed pods burst open, the seeds, along with the floss, are dispersed and eventually fall to the ground. Under favorable conditions, the seeds will germinate, giving rise to new kapok seedlings, initiating a new cycle of growth and reproduction.
It's worth noting that while seed production is the primary mode of reproduction for kapok trees, vegetative propagation through cuttings is also possible. However, this method is not as commonly used as seed propagation, as it can be challenging to root and establish kapok cuttings successfully.