Tree query for tropical scholars & enthusiasts

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Jon Buono, Oct 4, 2016.

  1. Jon Buono

    Jon Buono New Member

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    Earlier this year, I was able to visit the Orquideario Soroa, in the forests east of Havana in Cuba.
    I have lost my notes for identifying the tree in attached images and would appreciate any assistance.
    The mature leaves are remarkably large, in excess of 12" square.
    DSC06025.JPG DSC06010.jpg
    Regards
     
  2. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    It's Cecropia. I'm less confident about the species name, but maybe Cecropia peltata.
     
  3. Jon Buono

    Jon Buono New Member

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    Wendy,
    Thanks so much for the reference. Once I saw it's common name, the memory connected.
    When I had arrived at my Havana hotel with a leaf, a porter called it "embauba".

    Regards
     
  4. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    Jon, I didn't know the name "embauba". Thanks for the reply with that name. Here's an interesting write-up I found when I queried that:
    Tropical Plant Database File for: Embauba - Cecropia palmata, Cecropia peltata, Cecropia obtusifolia
    It makes it sound like a wonder tree, with so many beneficial uses.
    The Wikipedia article is also interesting in its description:
    Cecropia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
    but it does mention:
     
  5. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    Cecropia is native in Cuba though, so that's not a problem ;-)
     

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