Common Name:

General Information

Cecropia sciadophylla is an evergreen tree with a sparse, open crown, that can grow up to 30 metres tall[]. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild as a local source of medicines and wood. Suitable for use as a pioneer plant, it is also grown as an ornamental[].

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[].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Surinam.

Habitat

Open areas in primary rainforests and widespread in secondary formations[]. Found mainly in low, flat land alongside watercourses[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a well-drained soil[]. Plants can tolerate seasonal inundation of the soil[].
A fast-growing, but short-lived tree[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Although we have seen no specific mention for this species, the fruits of many members of this genus are edible with a sweetish flesh[]. The finger-shaped, aggregate fruit can be 100mm or more long and 10mm or more wide[].

Medicinal

The bark is used to treat kidney problems[].
Applied externally, the bark is used to treat abscesses, wounds and cuts[].

The leaves are diuretic[]. An infusion is used to lessen kidney and bladder discomfort, to remedy fevers and to treat heart and liver problems[].
The sap of the crushed leaves is applied topically to treat eye problems[].

Agroforestry Uses:

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[].

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[].

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.

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