Common Name:

General Information

Cecropia obtusa is an evergreen tree growing up to 12 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and adhesive. It is suitable for use as a pioneer species to restore woodland.

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, the Guyanas.

Habitat

Rainforests; in primary formations it is found in open areas such as forest margins, roadsides, riverbanks and clearings; it is commonly found in secondary formations[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants in this genus generally prefer a sunny position in a well-drained 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[].

Medicinal

Seedlings are used in a cataplasm to remedy skin parasites such as fly larvae[].

The grated inner bark is used in a cataplasm to reduce fractured bones, to resorb haematomas and before cicatrizing a wound[].

The wood pulp is used as an emollient, combined with Eupatorium odoratum[].

An infusion of the yellowing leaves is used as a diuretic[]. An infusion of the dried leaves is drunk as a treatment for back pain and to purify the blood[].
An infusion of green leaves is used in a wash to disinfect the genitals prior to childbirth[]. The leaves are ground up with salt and applied to the white spots developed on the skin in Pinto disease - the spots should disappear within 3 days[].

The flowers are boiled with sugar and given as a treatment for colds. Four applications are usually sufficient to break up a cold[].
The dried and powdered flowers are mixed with tallow to make a pomade that is used for treating leishmaniasis[].

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 macerated roots, especially of young plants, are used as a glue[].

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[].
Greenwood cuttings in a frame with bottom heat.

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