Cecropia pachystachya
(Urticaceae)
Names and origins
Characters
Ecology
Uses
Conservation
This field has a content
Forest type (costal, hill, lowland, peatswamp, mountains, kerangas...)
Forest Layer (emergent, canopy, understory, forest floor, liana...)
Pioneer tree, late sucessional tree
Symbiotic microorganisms (Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, ectomycorrhiza)
Seed dispersal by animals
Pollination by birds, bats, bees, beetles
Symbiosis with animals, ants
Flowering habits and frequency
Seed germination conditions and time
<p><i>Cecropia pachystachya</i> may reaching heights up to 20 meters. It is recognized for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in disturbed forests, riverbanks, and open areas with fertile, well-drained soil. This tree's fast growth rate plays a crucial role in soil stabilization, erosion prevention, and creation of habitat for wildlife. The broad canopy formed by its large palmate leaves not only provides shade for lower-level plants but also helps maintain a balanced microclimate. The fruits of this tree serve as a vital food source for a diverse array of animals, including birds, bats, and primates. Furthermore, Cecropia pachystachya establishes a mutually beneficial relationship with Azteca ants, which take residence in the tree's hollow stems to protect it from herbivores and competing plants. In return, the tree supplies the ants with nourishment through nectar glands and specialized structures known as domatia.</p>
Cecropia pachystachya (Urticaceae) Cecropia pachystachya (Urticaceae)