Species information Abo ut Reso urces Hom e A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Cecropia peltata Click on images to enlarge Family Urticaceae Scientific Name Cecropia peltata L. Linnaeus, C. von (1759) Systema Naturae, Editio Decima 2: 1286. Type: Jamaica. Common name Leaves and inflorescence. Copyright ATH Trumpet Tree; Snakewood Weed * Stem Fast growing tree to 20 m tall. Stems distinctly hollow, sometimes with pores that enable ants to enter and nest. Stilt roots may be present from 1 m up trunk. Leaf scars are obvious. Leaves Leaf underside. Copyright ATH Large leaves resembling paw-paw, with 12 deep lobes up to halfway towards base, margins wavy. Midrib distinctly raised near base but flat towards midle and apex. Underside pale, minutely hairy; top side darker, scabrous. Stipules large, bifurcate, hairy, to 15 cm long, green turning pale brown when about to fall. Base of petiole is swollen and has a mass of glands turning black with age, where ants feed. Flowers Male and female flowers occur on different plants. Male flowers in umbellate culsters of spikes 10-18 cm Inflorescence. Copyright ATH long in culsters of 3-9. Female flowers in spikes 17-30 cm long, in clusters of 2-4. Fruit Fruit cylindrical, ovoid to oblong-ovoid, somewhat flattened, 3.3-3.7 mm long, with soft, sweet flesh around many small seeds. Seedlings Features not available. Bud and leaf sheath. Copyright ATH Distribution and Ecology A serious weed with records of naturalised plants in NEQ, mainly near Mission Beach. Occasional garden plants are found in Cairns, Mackay and Brisbane. Most likely to be found in wetter habitats such as riparian zones and dry rainforest remnants. Natural History & Notes Introduced Class 1 weed species, rarely naturalised in North Queensland. Occasional garden plants are Stem cross-section. Copyright ATH found in Cairns, Mackay and Brisbane. Qld Govt (2008). Tree X RFK Code 1179 CC-BY Australian Tropical Herbarium unless otherwise indicated in the images. Habit. Copyright ATH .