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Description
Cecropia Obtusifolia, also known as the Yarumo Blanco, is a fast-growing tree that belongs to the Cecropiaceae family. It is native to Central and South America and can grow up to 25 meters tall. The tree is known for its distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy, which can span up to 10 meters wide. The Yarumo Blanco is also known for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Cecropiaceae |
| Genus | Cecropia |
Appearance
The Yarumo Blanco has a distinctive appearance with a tall, straight trunk that can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The leaves are large and alternate, with a heart-shaped base and pointed tips. The leaves can grow up to 50 centimeters in length and are light green in color. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers that grow in clusters and are followed by small, brownish-black fruits that are edible but not commonly consumed.
Care Guide
The Yarumo Blanco is a low-maintenance tree that prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. It can tolerate a range of soil types and pH levels, but it grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter. Fertilization is not necessary, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied once a year in the spring. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-12 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 30°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Yarumo Blanco is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. These can be treated with a fungicide. The tree can also attract scale insects, which can be removed by hand or treated with an insecticide.
Habitat
The Yarumo Blanco is native to Central and South America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, cloud forests, and disturbed areas. It is commonly used for reforestation and erosion control due to its fast growth rate and ability to thrive in a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Yarumo Blanco a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the Yarumo Blanco is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Q: Can the fruit of the Yarumo Blanco be consumed?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible but not commonly consumed.
Q: What is the growth rate of the Yarumo Blanco?
A: The Yarumo Blanco is a fast-growing tree that can reach up to 25 meters tall.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Yarumo Blanco?
A: The Yarumo Blanco is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Related Plants
- Cecropia Peltata
- Cecropia Schreberiana
- Cecropia Strigosa
References
- “Cecropia Obtusifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287193. Accessed 14 Sept. 2021.
- “Cecropia Obtusifolia.” Tropical Plants Database, www.rain-tree.com/cecropia.htm. Accessed 14 Sept. 2021.
- “Yarumo Blanco (Cecropia Obtusifolia).” Floridata, floridata.com/Plants/Cecropiaceae/Cecropia+obtusifolia.html. Accessed 14 Sept. 2021.
