Alchornea latifolia
Alchornea latifolia
Safety & Hazards
None known
Cultivation Details
A plant of the moist tropics, growing at elevations from sea level to 1,600 metres. It is found in areas where the mean annual rainfall is within the range 1,300 - 4,000mm, generally in areas with year-round rainfall but tolerating short dry seasons of around a month[1]. The mean monthly temperate ranges from 22 - 27°c[1]. Succeeds in a range of soils, from sandy loams to clays, though generally they should be moist but well-drained. It is frequently found on subsoils that are anaerobic due to high rainfall, but does not tolerate swampy soils[1]. Tolerates a pH from 4.5 - 7[1]. Although plants are often damaged by strong winds, they are seldom thrown and quickly recover from the crown damage[1]. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[1]. Young trees have a moderate rate of growth, reaching about 1 metre tall after a year and 1.4 metres after 2 years[1]. Plants can be coppiced - abundant epicormic branching results when crowns are damaged and light reaches the lower bole[1]. The plant has well-developed lateral roots, often protruding above ground in clay soils[1].
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as ripe, though it can be air-dried and stored refrigerated in a sealed container[1]. Sprouting commences after about 31 days, with around 79% germinating[1]. Cuttings - a very low percentage root. Air layering - the plant produces adventitious roots from wounds when growing in wet forests and so air layering is probably possible[1]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-19. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Alchornea+latifolia>
Pollinators
Data unavailable
References
- [1]Alchornea latifolia Sw. Achiotillo. Euphorbiaceae. Spurge family. — Francis J.K. · USDA Forest Service; New Orleans. · 1993 · http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/30406 ↩︎A very detailed article on Alchornea latifolia. It can be downloaded from the internet.
- [2]Common Trees of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands — Little E.L.; Wadsworth F.H. · USDA, Forest Service; Washington. · 1964 ↩︎Contains detailed information, and usually an illustration, on 250 tree species, including both native and exotic species.