**5.6 Climatic requirement**

*C. pentandra* needs abundant rainfall but requires drier period for flower and fruit production. It grows at altitudes as high as 4000 m [155]. Night temperature less than 17°C decreases the germination of pollen grains. This reduces areas where the plant can be found. It thrives in latitudes of 20°N and 20°S and requires annual rainfall of 1500 mm. Where kapok is naturally distributed, the average rainfall is 750 to 3000 mm per annum. The dry season should not exceed 4 months. In drier regions, water requirement by the plant can be met by providing irrigation [23]**.** For optimum production, the tree is grown on deep, fertile well drained soils. Kapok is prone to heavy winds and cannot survive bush fire. The plant is usually found in rainforest and drier zones. Kapok is dominant in secondary forest and along the riverbanks and is hardly found in primary forest. It is a fast growing plant with canopy developing within few months if left undisturbed [156]. The tree may occur in large numbers in humid to semi-arid regions. Kapok can be grown or self-sown; the seedlings should be protected from fire and livestock [23]**.**
