Common Name:

General Information

Cecropia glaziovi is an evergreen tree with a sparse, open crown; it can grow 8 - 16 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 20 - 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of food and various commodities. An excellent pioneer species, it also has ornamental qualities[].

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 - southern and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Atlantic rainforest, mainly in secondary formations[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a well-drained soil[].
A fast-growing, but short-lived tree[]. It can reach its maximum height within 10 years[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A fleshy pulp with a sweetish flavour when ripe[]. The finger-shaped, aggregate fruit can be 150mm long and 15mm wide[].

Medicinal

None known

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 fibrous bark has been used to make coarse cloth and rustic ropes[].

The bark is a source of tannins[].

The leaves have a rough texture and are traditionally used as a type of sandpaper to smooth the surface of items such as Calabash fruit shells (Cresentia cujete) that are being used to make containers etc[, ].

Sapwood and heartwood are not differentiated. The wood is light in weight, soft and not durable[]. It is generally used for low value items such as boxes, linings, toys, plywood, pencils, matchsticks, shoe heels etc[]. Because it is light in weight, it can be used like balsa wood to make aeroplane models etc[]. It is also used for making rafts and buoys[].
The wood is used for making charcoal for gunpowder manufacture, and also for cellulose paste to make paper etc[].

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 reasonable germination rate can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 3 - 4 weeks[].
Greenwood cuttings in a frame with bottom heat.

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