Trumpet (Cecropia obtusifolia, Nuovi Ann. Sci. Nat. 3: 141 (1840))

Family: Urticaceae

Author: Bertol.

Bibliography: Nuovi Ann. Sci. Nat. 3: 141 (1840)

Year: 1840

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cecropia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Ecuador

Description

The Trumpet tree, scientifically known as Cecropia obtusifolia, is a significant species within the Urticaceae family. First described in the year 1840 by Bertol., the plant is documented in the publication “Nuovi Ann. Sci. Nat. 3: 141”. This species has a notable distribution, thriving in regions extending from Mexico down to Ecuador, demonstrating its adaptability to various tropical environments within this range.

Cecropia obtusifolia is characterized by its large, palmately lobed leaves, which contribute to its distinct and recognizable appearance. The leaves are typically broad and composed of several lobes radiating from a central point, akin to the spokes of a wheel, giving it a unique foliage pattern that can be easily identified.

The Trumpet tree plays essential roles in its native ecosystems. It provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including various bird and insect species. One of the plant’s most fascinating ecological interactions involves its mutualistic relationship with certain species of ants. These ants often inhabit the hollow stems of the Trumpet tree, offering the plant protection from herbivores in exchange for shelter and food resources such as glycogen bodies produced by the tree.

In addition to its ecological importance, the Trumpet tree has been utilized in traditional practices by numerous indigenous cultures within its geographic range. Various parts of the plant have been employed in natural medicine to address ailments such as respiratory issues and infections, highlighting its cultural and medicinal significance.

In conclusion, Cecropia obtusifolia is more than just a remarkable botanical specimen. Its wide geographical distribution from Mexico to Ecuador, its role in local ecosystems, and its cultural applications underscore its importance in both natural and human contexts. Recognizing and understanding the Trumpet tree can provide deeper insights into the intricate web of tropical biodiversity and the enduring relationships between plants and the cultures that coexist with them.

Common Names

Eng: trumpet tree, guarumo, trumpet, trumpet-tree
Spa: guaramo, guarumbo, guarumo, guaruma de pava, guarumo blanco, guarumo colorado
En: Trumpet, Trumpet-tree, Trumpet tree, Guarumo
Es: Guaramo, Guarumbo, Guarumo, Guarumo., Guaruma De Pava, Guarumo Blanco, Guarumo colorado, Guarumo Morado

Synonyms

• Cecropia mexicana var. macrostachya (Donn.Sm.)
• Cecropia mexicana f. glabrescens (Donn.Sm.)
• Cecropia burriada (Cuatrec.)
• Cecropia concolor (Miq.)
• Cecropia maxonii (Pittier)
• Cecropia radlkoferiana (Aladar Richt.)
• Ambaiba mexicana ((Hemsl.) Kuntze)
• Cecropia dabeibana (Cuatrec.)
• Ambaiba panamensis ((Hemsl.) Kuntze)
• Ambaiba hemsleyana (Kuntze)
• Cecropia amphichlora (Standl. & L.O.Williams)
• Ambaiba obtusifolia ((Bertol.) Kuntze)
• Ambaiba commutata ((Schott ex Miq.) Kuntze)
• Ambaiba costaricensis (Kuntze)
• Cecropia alvarezii (Cuatrec.)
• Cecropia levyana (Aladar Richt.)
• Cecropia obtusifolia subsp. burriada ((Cuatrec.) C.C.Berg & P.Franco)
• Cecropia mexicana (Hemsl.)
• Cecropia commutata (Schott ex Miq.)
• Cecropia panamensis (Hemsl.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by Justine Mbangue (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2019 by margie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2020 by Pennington Andrea (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2021 by Rdgz Bcrra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Arias Dagoberto (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by R. Greco Maristela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Lessa Carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Luis Elias Chahua Janampa (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Zilli Valtair Zilli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Gerardo Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 31, 2018 by Hervé Rey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2021 by Walter Knudsen (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2022 by M W (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 23, 2021 by Calderón Caldas Douglas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:850947-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2984473)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cecropia obtusifolia Bertol.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth