Cecropia peltata seeds grow into the trumpet tree one of the most iconic and ecologically important pioneer trees of the neotropical wet forests, native to the wet tropical biome from Mexico south through Central America and the Caribbean (Jamaica to Barbados) to northern Brazil. The epithet peltata means ‘shield-shaped’, referring to the distinctive peltate leaf attachment in which the petiole connects to the centre of the large, deeply palmate leaf rather than the margin a diagnostic character of the genus. This fast-growing, bamboo-like tree develops a hollow, jointed, segmented trunk divided into internal chambers that serve as nesting sites for Azteca ants one of nature’s most celebrated mutualistic partnerships: the ants aggressively defend the tree against herbivores and encroaching lianas, while the tree provides food bodies (Mllerian bodies) and hollow chambers for the colony. One of the most important food trees for three-toed sloths, bats, and frugivorous birds. Dioecious. Family Urticaceae.

Full sun; very fast-growing in warm, humid tropical conditions; pioneer of forest gaps, roadsides and disturbed areas. Frost-tender.

• Distinctive peltate, deeply palmate leaves up to 60 cm ‘peltata’ = shield-shaped leaf attachment
• Hollow jointed trunk housing Azteca ant colonies one of nature’s most celebrated mutualisms
• Mexico to N. Brazil, Jamaica to Barbados wet tropical biome; major pioneer of disturbed land
• Critical food source for three-toed sloths, bats and frugivorous birds; dioecious
• Full sun; very fast-growing; warm humid tropics; frost-tender; Family Urticaceae

Cecropia peltata is one of the great pioneer trees of the neotropical forest the trumpet tree’s remarkable Azteca ant mutualism, extraordinary growth rate, peltate leaves and ecological importance as wildlife food across the Caribbean and tropical Americas make it one of the most biologically fascinating trees in the tropical world.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.