The Biology of the Genus Ceiba, a Potential Source for Sustainable Production of Natural Fiber
Por:
Gomez-Maqueo, Ximena, Gamboa-deBuen, Alicia
Publicada:
1 feb 2022
Resumen:
The species of the genus Ceiba produces fruits with fibers with a high
content of cellulose. The fiber is used for textiles, cushion filling
and for industrial purposes and its characteristics have been studied in
some species including Ceiba pentandra (kapok), C. speciosa and C.
aesculifolia. The use of the trunk and seeds of Ceiba has also been
described for different species. This article presents a review on the
biological diversity of the genus Ceiba (Malvaceae). The genus Ceiba has
18 recognized species that are distributed naturally in America and
Africa. However, some Ceiba trees have been introduced to various
countries, especially in Asia, due to their ornamental interest and
potential uses for their fiber. Ecophysiological studies of different
Ceiba species have shown that resistance to adverse environmental
conditions varies from species to species. Therefore, Ceiba species are
considered potentially useful in restoring ecosystems impacted by human
activity. The information related to the classification, morphological
characteristics, phenology, ecophysiology and distribution of the
different species will be extremely relevant for the sustainable
production of kapok fiber. Finally, the recent genomic and
transcriptomic studies also provide a valuable resource for further
genetic improvement and effective use of Ceiba trees.
Filiaciones:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Inst Ecol, Mexico City 04510, DF, Mexico
Green Published, All Open Access; Green
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