Urticaceae FAMILY

Cecropia obtusa

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & 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[ 318 Title Raintree Nutrition - Tropical Plant Database Publication Author Website http://www.rain-tree.com/plants.htm Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Detailed information on the medicinal uses of more than two hundred rainforest plants, mainly from S. America, with basic descriptions of the plants, their other uses etc. ].

Botanical Description

Cecropia obtusa is an evergreen tree growing up to 12 metres tall[ 422 Title Fruits of the Guianan Flora Publication Author van Roosmalen. M.G.M. Publisher Institute of Systematic Boyany, Utrecht University; Netherlands. Year 1985 ISBN 90-9000988-4 Description Terse descriptions of over 1,700 species from the Guianas that bear fruits - not necessarily edible! Often mentions if the fruit is edible, plus gives brief description of habit and habitat. ]. 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.

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeS. America - Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, the Guyanas.

HabitatRainforests; in primary formations it is found in open areas such as forest margins, roadsides, riverbanks and clearings; it is commonly found in secondary formations[ 422 Title Fruits of the Guianan Flora Publication Author van Roosmalen. M.G.M. Publisher Institute of Systematic Boyany, Utrecht University; Netherlands. Year 1985 ISBN 90-9000988-4 Description Terse descriptions of over 1,700 species from the Guianas that bear fruits - not necessarily edible! Often mentions if the fruit is edible, plus gives brief description of habit and habitat. ].