Cecropia is a fast-growing tree with large lobed leaves. It invades coastal forests and riparian areas and competes with native plants.
Cecropia grows quickly and can form dense stands in disturbed areas, wet forest edges and riparian zones where it:
Three species of cecropia have been recorded in Australia (Cecropia pachystachya, C. palmata and C. peltata). These species grow between 5–40 m tall and most of the leaves are usually on the upper part of the tree. The bark is smooth and grey.
The following descriptions are for Cecropia peltata, which is the only species that has naturalised in NSW and Cecropia palmata which has been found in Queensland. They usually grow 10 m–20 m high but occasionally up to 25 m and with a trunk up to 50 cm.
Juvenile leaves of C. peltata are much smaller and often without lobes.
Male flowers spikes are:
Female flower spikes are:
Large plants may have stilt roots that protrude from the trunk up to a metre above the ground.
Cecropia looks like:
Cecropia trees have been grown as ornamental plants. They have naturalised in northern NSW, south-east Queensland and northern Queensland. Cecropia trees have been found near Lismore, Burringbar, Murwillumbah on the North Coast and in Moree in the North West. Most of these were planted as ornamental trees. Many cecropia seedlings were found on the North Coast sites where there were both female and male trees present.
Cecropia is native to southern Mexico, Central America and the West Indies. It is a significant weed of roadsides and natural areas in tropical Africa, tropical Asia and on some Pacific islands.
Cecropia grows best in tropical climates, but will grow in subtropical and warm temperate areas. Trees prefer full sun and grow in open areas, on the edges of forests or where there are large gaps in the forest canopy.
Seedlings will grow prolifically in sunny areas but rarely grow and survive under dense shady canopies.
Plants start producing seeds when they are 3-5 years old and each tree can produce about 20,000 viable seeds per year. It is necessary to have a male tree in close proximity to female trees to produce viable seeds/ Seeds are viable in the soil for up to 6 months. Cecropia species can be long lived.
Birds and fruit bats eat the fruit and can spread the seed kilometres from the parent tree. Flowing water and movement of soil can also spread the seeds.
Stems can root at the nodes. Dumped garden waste may have caused some spread.
Cecropia prefer tropical climates, but will grow in subtropical and warm temperate areas.
They are best adapted to disturbed sites with plenty of light and moisture, and where the soil is fertile.
Seeds rarely germinate under dense canopies, but can be prolific in canopy gaps. Plant growth is poor in shaded areas and plants will not persist in the shade.
They are potential weeds of closed-forest gaps and margins, riparian areas, gullies, roadsides, abandoned farmland, wasteland and other disturbed areas.
Australia’s Virtual Herbarium: Broussonetia papyrifera. http://avh.ala.org.au/occurrences/search?taxa=Cecropia#map
Brisbane City Council Weed Identification Tool: Trumpet Tree (Cecropia palmate/peltata). http://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/weeds/trumpet-tree-cecropia-palmata-peltata
CABI (2007) Invasive species compendium: Cecropia peltata (trumpet tree. Downloaded 18 October 2022 from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/11955
Csurhes, S. (208). Pest plant risk assessment Cecropia (Cecropia spp.). Queensland Department of Primary Industries. http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/68969/IPA-Cecropia-Risk-Assessment.pdf
Far North Coast Weeds Weed Information: Cecropia peltata. http://fncw.nsw.gov.au/weed-information/new-and-emerging-weeds-index/cecropia-peltata/
Successful weed control requires follow up after the initial efforts. This means looking for and killing regrowth or new seedlings. Using a combination of control methods is usually more successful.
To manage cecropia:
Hand pull or dig out small seedlings.
Small seedlings can be spot sprayed. Ensure that all of the foliage is covered with the herbicide mix.
Drill downwards holes into the trunk all the way around the tree. Alternatively make cuts with a saw or axe all the way around the trunk. Fill each hole or cut with herbicide within 15 seconds.
Cut the trunks, and apply herbicide to the stump within 15 seconds of cutting.
Stems will grow if left in contact with the soil. The stems and trunks can be chipped. Contact your local council for further advice on how to dispose of this weed.
See Using herbicides for more information.
PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2025
Glyphosate 360 g/L
(Various products)
Rate: 1 part glyphosate to 1.5 parts water
Comments: Cut stump application.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: 9 (previously group M), Inhibition of 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSP inhibition)
Resistance risk: Moderate
Picloram 44.7 g/L + Aminopyralid 4.47 g/L
(Vigilant II ®)
Rate: Undiluted
Comments: Cut stump application. Apply a 3-5 mm layer of gel for stems less than 20 mm. Apply a 5 mm layer on stems above 20 mm.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: 4 (previously group I), Disruptors of plant cell growth (Auxin mimics)
Resistance risk: Moderate
The content provided here is for information purposes only and is taken from the Biosecurity Act 2015 and its subordinate legislation, and the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans (published by each Local Land Services region in NSW). It describes the state and regional priorities for weeds in New South Wales, Australia.
Area | Duty |
---|---|
All of NSW | General Biosecurity Duty All pest plants are regulated with a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. Any person who deals with any plant, who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk, has a duty to ensure the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable. |
North Coast |
Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Eradication)
Land managers should mitigate the risk of the plant being introduced to their land. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant. Notify local control authority if found. |
*To see the Regional Strategic Weeds Management Plans containing demonstrated outcomes that fulfil the general biosecurity duty for this weed click here |
Reviewed 2023