Cecropia peltata
(trumpet tree)

C. peltata is a pioneer tree in humid forests in its native tropical Americas and, as such, has characteristics of an invasive species with its ability to establish quickly in disturbed ground. It is weedy in its native range with further spread enhanced by increased human disturbance. It has become invasive where introduced, notably in parts of West Africa and the Pacific. It recorded a high score in a weed risk assessment (PIER, 2007) and is listed as one of the 100 'World's Worst' invaders on the Global Invasive Species Database (ISSG, 2007).

C. peltata is native to the Caribbean and neighbouring countries to the west and south. It occurs as far north as Mexico and the Greater Antilles and as far south as northern South America. It is probably present in more Caribbean islands than indicated in the distribution table, and is especially likely to be more widespread in the Lesser Antilles. A record for Washington, USA (Missouri Botanical Garden, 2007), appears erroneous unless from a greenhouse specimen. This species has been planted in collections and for landscaping in private gardens in southern USA but has not been recorded as naturalized there. Records from Paraguay (Missouri Botanical Garden, 2007) possibly refer to other closely related species. C. peltata has been introduced into parts of West Africa and some Pacific islands, however, introductions to Malaysia are now thought to be of other Cecropia species and not C. peltata. Also, whereas some sources (e.g. ISSG, 2007 and others) note presence of C. peltata as an invasive species on Hawaii, PIER (2007) do not include presence there, possibly due to continuing taxonomic confusion. A new record for Madagascar is included (Missouri Botanic Garden, 2007) based on samples collected in 2005 which is assumed here as accurate. A detailed taxonomical study of Cecropia in both native an introduced population appears warranted to resolve remaining taxonomical issues.

C. peltata has been introduced into coffee plantations as a shade tree in Africa. It has also been introduced to botanical gardens in tropical and subtropical regions and its fast growth and attractive leaves and fruit make it desirable for tropical landscaping or canopy planting. Plants are available to purchase over the internet in Florida and California, USA. However, its presence on the ISSG list of the 100 worst invasive species (ISSG, 2007) means that its notoriety as an invasive species may limit further introductions.

C. peltata is a fast growing tree, variously described as a pioneer species, early successional, early mid-successional, or dominant secondary species. It is found in moist tropical and sub-tropical regions, often in disturbed areas, on steep slopes, alongside riverbanks, lava flows, in forest gaps and where landslides and tree falls have occurred. It has become a weed along watercourses, roadsides and abandoned land where introduced. It is absent from dry coastal and dry limestone areas.

C. peltata is primarily an environmental weed, though it is likely to invade forest plantations especially after clear-felling, natural forests after disturbance, and also abandoned farmland.

Genetics

The chromosome number of C. peltata is recorded to be 2n=28 (Velazquez, 1971).

Physiology and Phenology

C. peltata is a fast growing tree, variously described as a pioneer species, early successional or early mid-succession species. C. peltata is a light demanding, shade intolerant species, and seeds require full sunlight for germination to occur and in such conditions germination can reach 80-90% (Silander and Lugo, 1990). The leaves of seedlings are unlobed and downy on both sides. Seedlings grow rapidly and can reach 15 cm in 10 weeks. In one year, C. peltata trees can reach 2 m tall (Marrero, 1954). The maximum height of 20-25 m is reached after approximately 10 years and the species has a lifespan of 20-30 years (Crow, 1980). Trees appear to have only a superficial root systems and are such easily uprooted (Silander and Lugo, 1990).

Reproductive Biology

C. peltata is dioecious and becomes sexually mature in 3-5 years. In Puerto Rico, peak flowering occurs between January and March (Silander and Lugo, 1990). In Costa Rica flowering and fruiting are seasonal lasting about 9 months with a peak of 4 months during the early part of the wet season (Binggeli, 1999). Flowers are wind-pollinated and both staminate and pistillate trees flower and produce fruit all year. Females produce four spadices per inflorescence which can contain several hundred (up to 800) minute, single-seeded fruits. Seeds are orthodox in storage. Fruit clusters appear to take around a month to mature, and a large and persistent seedbank is formed in the forest soil.

Environmental Requirements

C. peltata is a tropical to sub-tropical species, intolerant to frost, preferring high rainfall and high relative humidity environments, and needing high light levels. It can grow on neutral to acidic soils and in a range of soil textures but clay loam soils are preferable (Binggeli, 1999).

Associations

C. peltata is often described as a myrmecophyte (e.g. Val and Dirzo, 2003), i.e. being a plant that lives in association with a colony of ants and possesses specialized organs in which the ants live. A highly specialized symbiotic association between C. peltata and stinging ants (Azteca sp.), the ants feeding on sugars produced from specialized Müllerian bodies at the base of petioles and in return they protect the tree from other herbivores such as leaf-cutting ants. This occurs in most of the mainland native range (Downhower, 1975), but in Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands this association does not exist (Janzen, 1973; Putz and Holbrook, 1988). Numerous plant and animal associations including C. peltata are described by Silander and Lugo (1990) in Puerto Rico.

Kretzschmaria clavus (Fr.) Sacc., the causal agent of root rot of macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) has been recorded on C. peltata in Hawaii. C. peltata is also attacked by Historis spp. and various moth species in its native range. The following insect pests have been recorded from Puerto Rico attacking the leaves: Correbidia terminalis, Gynaecia dirce, Historis odious, Prepodes spp. and Sylepta salicalis (Martorell, 1945), though their effects upon tree growth and survival is not known. However, Silander and Lugo (1990) observed that such pests can cause heavy damage to the leaves of mature trees, and strangulation by vines is a further cause of tree mortality especially during the sapling stage.

Environmental

• Agroforestry
• Amenity
• Shade and shelter

Fuels

• Fuelwood

General

• Botanical garden/zoo
• Ornamental

Materials

• Fibre
• Wood/timber

Medicinal, pharmaceutical

• Source of medicine/pharmaceutical
• Traditional/folklore

Containers

• Boxes

Wood-based materials

• Plywood

Woodware

• Matches

C. concolor, C. pachystachya, C. obtusifolia and C. palmata are all morphologically similar to C. peltata but have different geographical or ecological ranges, and may be separated in the native range by location, though this is not where introduced. It has also been confused with C. scherberiana. Mullerian bodies and other organs specialised for ant association are largely absent in Caribbean populations of C. peltata, which McKey (1988) used as an indicator for identifying the origin of Cameroonian populations. In Florida, USA, C. peltata is differentiated from C. palmata by having leaf lobes separated to only one third of their length rather than entirely separated (Deuver and Christman, 2006).

Due to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.

Control

Very few control methods have been reported in the literature. However, PIER (2007) notes that seedlings and young trees should be pulled out or dug out, and larger trees should be cut and the stumps treated with herbicides.

26/10/2007 Updated by:

Nick Pasiecznik, Consultant, France