Igarata pumpwood
Cecropia sciadophylla

Family: Urticaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It grows 30 m tall. It has a sparse open crown. The trunk is 20-30 cm across. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit are finger shaped.

Also put in the families Moraceae and Cecropiaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in open areas in primary forest. It is often along streams.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Andes, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guianas, Guyana, Peru, South America (country/location of origin), Suriname, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The ashes of the leaves are used to flavour coca. Water is extracted from the roots.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - flavouring, roots - drink

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds need light to germinate. Seeds sprout in 2-3 weeks. Plants can be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ambaibo, Cetico, Dondofa, Guarumba, Guarumo, Hormiguero, Kahu usihi, Mamnimewe, Mangimeo, Mangimeowe, Mannebe, Manwibe, Pattaga, Purma cetico, Sarahuaque, Uvilla, Wana-soro, Yantan

Synonyms

Ambaiba sciadophylla (Mart.) Kuntze; Cecropia inchuensis Cuatrec.; Cecropia juranyiana Aladar Richt.; and others