Cecropiaceae

Cecropia species

Common Names: Mexican bean tree

Plant Form: Fast growing tree. Size: 5-40 m tall. Stem: Triangular or crescent-shaped in cross-section. Hollow when young. Release a milky sap when cut, which turns black. Leaves: Dark green on top, hairy and white to grey underneath. Very large up to 60 cm long. With deep lobes. Alternate along stems. Flowers: Small, yellowish-green, in clusters forming cylindrical spikes. Male flower spikes drooping, female spikes erect. Fruit and Seeds: Small, inconspiculous, fleshy, oval-shaped. In cylindrical clusters 9-12 cm long. Habitat: Rainforests, roadsides, gullies, riparian areas. Distinguishing Features: Can look like Pawpaw (Carica papaya) but has whiter leaf undersides and smaller fruit.