PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Cecropia obtusifolia
Trumpeter tree
Bertol.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A fast-growing, pioneer canopy tree reaching up to 20 meters in height, characteristic of secondary forests. It features an open, umbrella-like crown, deeply palmate-lobed leaves with whitish undersides, and a hollow, segmented trunk often inhabited by aggressive Azteca ants.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Rosales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Urticaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Cecropia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Bertol.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Widely distributed throughout the humid Neotropics, from Mexico through Central America to northern South America. It thrives in high-light environments, predominantly colonizing forest gaps, roadsides, riverbanks, and disturbed areas up to 1,300 meters above sea level.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
An essential ecological catalyst. As a classic pioneer plant, it responds aggressively to canopy disturbances. Its hollow structure is structurally bound with mutualistic ants that continuously patrol the outer foliage to eliminate pests and prune competing plant tendrils.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1200.0 - 20000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Maintains a highly evolutionary mutualistic symbiosis with Azteca ants. The tree provides specialized hollow internodes (domatia) for shelter and glycogen-rich Müllerian bodies at the leaf base for food, while the ants defend the tree against herbivores and vine encroachment.
Possesses extreme pioneer characteristics, including prolonged seed viability in the soil seed bank and rapid vertical growth capabilities to outcompete other vegetation when light gaps open in the canopy.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
While the species is highly resilient and adaptive to disturbance, permanent habitat loss through complete urban development and large-scale concrete paving prevents natural seed regeneration loops.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The wood is extremely light and hollow; indigenous groups historically used the dried trunks to construct wind instruments, single-use rafts, and long trumpets, which inspired its English common name.