Cecropia

Cecropia is a genus of trees in the family Urticaceae. They are native to the tropical Americas and are commonly known as yagrumo, or guarumo in Spanish, ambaíba in Portuguese, and pumpwood in English. The genus is named after Cecrops I, the mythical first king of Athens.

Etymology

The genus name Cecropia is derived from the name of Cecrops I, the mythical first king of Athens. Cecrops was half man, half serpent, and is credited with founding the city of Athens and teaching its citizens the arts of civilization.

Description

Cecropia species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, including the arctiidae genera Hypercompe and Automeris. They are also a common food source for the silky anteater and the Central American squirrel monkey.

The trees are known for their umbrella-like canopy that consists of large, thin leaves. The trunk and branches of the tree are hollow, with walls of a hard, corky substance. They are fast-growing trees, often growing over 15 meters tall.

Uses

Cecropia trees are often used in traditional medicine in their native regions. The leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, and rheumatism. The fruit is also edible and is often used in jams and jellies.

Related Terms

• Urticaceae: The family to which Cecropia belongs.
• Lepidoptera: An order of insects that includes butterflies and moths.
• Arctiidae: A large family of moths, many of which use Cecropia as a food plant.
• Hypercompe: A genus of moths in the family Arctiidae.
• Automeris: Another genus of moths in the family Arctiidae.
• Silky anteater: A small, arboreal anteater that feeds on Cecropia leaves.
• Central American squirrel monkey: A small monkey that also feeds on Cecropia leaves.
• Traditional medicine: The use of natural plant and animal substances in healing.

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