Trumpet-tree (Cecropia peltata, Pl. Jamaic. Pug.: 28 (1759))

Family: Urticaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Pl. Jamaic. Pug.: 28 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cecropia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to N. Brazil, Jamaica to Barbados

Description

The Trumpet-tree, known scientifically as Cecropia peltata, is a remarkable species within the Urticaceae family. Originally documented in 1759 in “Pl. Jamaic. Pug.: 28” by the renowned author L., this plant has undoubtedly captured the attention of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Endemic to a broad range from Mexico through Northern Brazil, and spanning from Jamaica to Barbados, the Trumpet-tree thrives in tropical environments. This distribution indicates the species’ adaptive capabilities and ecological significance.

Cecropia peltata is distinguished by its striking, large, palmate leaves and tall, slender trunk. The leaves themselves can become quite expansive, creating a canopy that provides ample shade and support to the surrounding ecosystem. Moreover, the tree’s cylindrical, trumpet-shaped inflorescences are not only an aesthetic feature but also play a crucial role in its reproductive process.

Ecologically, the Trumpet-tree holds significant importance. Its rapid growth rate and ability to colonize disturbed areas make it a key pioneer species in forest regeneration. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in regions that have experienced deforestation or environmental disruption. The tree also establishes symbiotic relationships with ants, offering them shelter within its hollow stems in exchange for protection against herbivores, showcasing an intriguing example of mutualism in the natural world.

The Trumpet-tree’s impact extends to human use as well. Various indigenous cultures have historically utilized different parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, exploiting its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Additionally, its softwood is sometimes used in the making of lightweight crafts and tools.

In conclusion, Cecropia peltata stands out not only for its unique morphological traits but also for its critical ecological roles. Its wide geographical spread from Mexico to Northern Brazil and the Caribbean islands underscores its adaptability and importance within tropical ecosystems.

Common Names

Deu: trompetenbaum
Fra: bois cannon
Spa: guarumo, yagrumo
Eng: pop-a-gun, snakewood, trumpet-tree
En: Trumpet-tree, Pop-a-gun, Snakewood, Yagrumo Hembra, Pumpwood, Congo pump, Monkey pump, Embauba, Indian snakework, Shieldleaf pumpwood, Silverleaf pumpwood, Trumpet tree
Zh: 號角樹
Fi: Muurahaispuu
Fr: Bois cannon, Coulequin, Parasolier, Faux-ricin, Pisse-roux, Bois canons, Bois-canon, Bois canon, Bois trompette
De: Trompetenbaum, Kanonenbaum
Ht: Twonpèt
Pt: Imbauba, Abaiba, Ambaitinga, Ambaíba, Ambaíba vermelha, Ambaúba, Embaúba, Imbaúba, Umbaúba
Ru: Цекропия щитовидная
Es: Yagrumo, Guarumo, Guarumo., Waruma, Yagrumo hembra, Chancari, Chancarro, Guaruma, Guarumo hembra, Llagrumo hembra, Orumo, Yagruma
Ty: ’ī’ītā popa’ā
Zh-tw: 號角樹

Synonyms

• Cecropia goodspeedii (Cuatrec.)
• Cecropia humboldtiana (Klotzsch)
• Cecropia schiedeana (Klotzsch)
• Cecropia scabrifolia (Aladar Richt.)
• Cecropia hondurensis (Standl.)
• Cecropia argentea (Vis.)
• Cecropia arachnoidea (Pittier)
• Ambaiba schiedeana ((Klotzsch) Kuntze)
• Ambaiba peltata ((L.) Kuntze)
• Ambaiba propinqua ((Miq.) Kuntze)
• Ambaiba humboldtiana ((Klotzsch) Kuntze)
• Coilotapalus peltata (Hitchc.)
• Ambaiba surinamensis ((Miq.) Kuntze)
• Cecropia asperrima (Pittier)
• Cecropia dielsiana (Snethl.)
• Cecropia digitata var. grisea (Ten. ex Miq.)
• Cecropia surinamensis (Miq.)
• Cecropia propinqua (Miq.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Ghana (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Ivory Coast (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Feb 19, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 19, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Daniel Garcia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 19, 2021 by sD Yola (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 22, 2021 by Sanchez Barahona (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by artimeku id (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 29, 2019 by Flores Guardado Merling Josue (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2019 by Rodríguez Ariel R. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2019 by Jimenez Ana (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 19, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 19, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 19, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 1, 2022 by Gabriel Ollivier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by martins treiciany (cc-by-sa)

Habit

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

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

Taken Jan 19, 2022 by giorgio chiarini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2022 by H. Araújo Pedro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2022 by christine christine (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Jaider Arenas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by Jaider Arenas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Augusto Leticia (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2022 by Melany Yopan Mendoza (cc-by-sa)

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

Other

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by AMAP Lab – Guyane 2022 (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2984476)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:850956-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cecropia peltata L.)

Specifications

Growth