Ceiba refers to a genus of trees belonging to the family Malvaceae. These trees are native to tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas and tropical West Africa. Some species within this genus are capable of reaching heights of 70 meters (230 feet) or more.
The trees are characterized by straight, largely branchless trunks that end in large, spreading canopies. They also feature prominent buttress roots that can exceed the height of a grown person. The most widely cultivated and well-known species is Ceiba pentandra, which is one of several trees known as kapok.
The name Ceiba originates from the Taíno language and translates to "boat." This designation stems from the historical use of the tree's wood by the Taíno people to construct dugout canoes.