Cecropia sciadophylla
Mart.
Igarata pumpwood
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(c) Zac Peterson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Summary
Source: WikipediaCecropia sciadophylla is a plant species from the genus Cecropia. The species was originally described by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius in 1841.
Description
An evergreen tree. It grows 30 m tall. It has a sparse open crown. The trunk is 20-30 cm across. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit are finger shaped.
Edible Uses
The fruits are eaten, the leaves are used as a flavouring (ash of leaves flavours coca), and water is extracted from the roots for drinking.
Traditional Uses
The ashes of the leaves are used to flavour coca. Water is extracted from the roots.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Water extracted from the roots is used as a drink.
Known Hazards
The branches and leaf petioles of Cecropia species are often hollow and can harbour stinging ants. The trees attract the ants by means of producing a honey-like sap and the ants respond by working to keep the tree free of leaf-eating pests - which can include humans.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in open areas in primary forest. It is often along streams.
Where It Grows
Amazon, Andes, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guianas, Guyana, Peru, South America*, Suriname, Venezuela,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds need light to germinate. Seeds sprout in 2-3 weeks. Plants can be grown from cuttings.
Propagation
Seed - requires light to germinate. It can be sown in light shade in a nursery seedbed, but should not be covered, just lightly pressed into the soil. A medium rate of germination can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 2 - 3 weeks. Greenwood cuttings in a frame with bottom heat.
Other Uses
The bark is squeezed in water to make a preparation that is used to stupefy wasps. The wood is of medium texture, soft, light in weight, not very durable, and easy to work. It is used for low value items such as boxes, linings, matchsticks etc. Traditionally, it has been used to make rafts, whilst it is also pulped for cellulose. With their sparse canopy and attractive foliage that is green above and silver-felted below, members of this genus generally provide a dramatic canopy but only cast a very light shade, allowing other plants to be grown right up to the base of their trunk. Many members of the genus can be used as pioneer species when developing a new woodland.
Notes
Also put in the families Moraceae and Cecropiaceae.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Ambaibo, Cetico, Dondofa, Guarumba, Guarumo, Hormiguero, Kahu usihi, Mamnimewe, Mangimeo, Mangimeowe, Mannebe, Manwibe, Pattaga, Purma cetico, Sarahuaque, Uvilla, Wana-soro, Yantan
References (7)
- Fern, K., 2012, Tropical Species Database http://theferns.info/tropical/
- Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 113
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 202
- Lopez-Diago, D. & Garcia, N., 2021, Wild edible fruits of Colombia. Biota ColomBiana 22 (2) p 53
- Roa, J. A. G. & Boada, D. S. G., 2018, Fundación para el Fortalecimiento de la Fruticultura y Plantas Alimenticias no Convencionales en Colombia.
Show all 7 references Hide references
- Torre, de la, L., et al, 2008, Enciclopedia de las Plantas Útiles del Ecuador. Herbario QCA. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. p 607
- www.proyanomami.org
