Trumpetwood

Scientific name: Cecropia schreberiana

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Not Evaluated

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.46″ N, 64° 49′ 46.85″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Trumpetwood (Cecropia schreberiana)

1. Leaf Behavior
Cecropia schreberiana is deciduous to semi-deciduous, particularly in the dry season.

  • Leaves are large, palmately lobed (like a hand with outstretched fingers), with 9–11 lobes and silvery undersides.
  • Leaf drop typically occurs January–March, followed by rapid leaf regrowth with the first rains.

Observation Tips:

  • Look for near-total canopy loss at peak dry season.
  • Monitor for new flushes of large, light green leaves beginning late March to April.

2. Flowering
Flowers are tiny and unisexual, borne in cylindrical spikes on separate male and female trees (dioecious).

  • Flowering occurs soon after leaf emergence, typically April–June.
  • The flowers are wind-pollinated, not showy, and easily missed without close observation.

Observation Tips:

  • Check male trees for upright catkin-like spikes, and female trees for more robust fruiting structures forming shortly after pollination.
  • Document first appearance of flower spikes post leaf flush.

3. Fruiting
Female trees produce multiple-seeded, club-shaped fruits, which are fleshy and sweet, attracting birds and bats.

  • Fruit ripens June–August, depending on rainfall and elevation.
  • Fruiting is frequent and helps the species spread aggressively in disturbed areas.

Observation Tips:

  • Track fruit maturation and drop.
  • Observe wildlife interaction, particularly frugivorous birds.

4. Growth Habit
C. schreberiana is a fast-growing pioneer tree, typically 30–50 feet tall, with a hollow trunk that hosts ants in its native range (mutualism with Azteca ants is less prominent in the Caribbean).

  • Common in forest edges, roadsides, and secondary growth zones, it plays a key role in forest regeneration.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

  • Jan–Mar: Leaf drop and dormancy
  • Apr–Jun: New leaves, flowering
  • Jun–Aug: Fruiting
  • Sep–Dec: Full canopy, occasional leaf cycling
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