The Tree of Life

The Kapok or Ceiba tree is the oldest and tallest tree in the rain forest and continues to sustain plant and animal life there. It is a large majestic tree that grows in the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, tropical America and Africa. The deciduous tree can grow more than 200 feet high with widely spreading branches and a trunk that can be more than nine feet in diameter

The ancient Mayan word for the Kapok tree means "raised up sky". The Maya believed that a great Kapok tree stood at the center of the earth. Its magnificent canopy symbolized the heavens and its flowers symbolized the stars. Today, the Kapok tree remains a true tree of life, supporting vital rainforest plant and animal life.

Desalon International uses the fibres of the Kapok tree for the filling of its Ceiba Pillow. Corie Laraya-Coutts, the founder and director of Desalon developed the pillow. With the development of the pillow, the company is focusing on environmental benefits, utilizing forest resources as a technical and economic solution for native farmers.

The Kapok tree sheds its leaves during the dry season when it is cultivated for kapok, a light and fluffy floss that is resistant to water and decay. The pods containing the soft lustrous cotton-like substance are harvested by hand. Then, the fibre is meticulously cleaned and dried. It is this durable silk, an incredible light fibre, that is used to create the naturally comfortable Kapok Pillow.