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trumpet tree
Scientific Name: Cecropia obtusifolia
Family: Cecropiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Trumpet Tree: A Diverse Group of Plants
The term "trumpet tree" or "trumpet bush" can refer to several different plant species across multiple genera. This article explores some of the most commonly associated plants.
Considerations for Pets
- Angel's Trumpet (Brugmansia) plants are flowering shrubs or small trees that may be found in home gardens.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- The name "Trumpet Tree" is associated with multiple genera and species:
- Cecropia: Including species like Cecropia obtusifolia and Cecropia peltata.
- Handroanthus
- Tabebuia: Especially Tabebuia rosea, Tabebuia aurea, Tabebuia caraiba, Tabebuia argentea, and Tabebuia chrysotricha.
- Brugmansia (Angel's Trumpet). This genus is referred to as having woody trees or shrubs.
- Dolichandrone spathacea (Mangrove Trumpet Tree)
- Family: Bignoniaceae (for Tabebuia and Dolichandrone).
Common Names
- Trumpet Tree
- Trumpet Bush
- Angel's Trumpet (referring to plants in the Brugmansia genus)
- Embauba
- Pink Trumpet Tree
- Golden Trumpet Tree
- Yagrumo hembra (specifically for Cecropia peltata)
- Lapacho
- Silver Trumpet Tree
- Mangrove Trumpet Tree or Tui (Dolichandrone spathacea)
- Caribbean Trumpet-tree (Tabebuia aurea)
- Trumpetwood
Distribution and Habitat
- Trumpet trees are primarily found in South American countries, including Panama, Central America and the Caribbean.
- Cecropia peltata is native to the tropical Americas.
- Tabebuia caraiba and Tabebuia argentea originate from Brazil.
- The Golden Trumpet Tree is native to Brazil.
- Cecropia peltata is a pioneer tree in humid forests in its native tropical Americas.
Ecological Role
- Cecropia peltata is considered to have characteristics of an invasive species.
Morphological Characteristics
- Tabebuia rosea can grow up to 18-25m tall.
- Trumpet trees have large heart-shaped leaves and can grow to about 15 meters in height.
- Some species have hollow stems (e.g., Cecropia peltata).
- Brugmansia have pendulous flowers.
- Tabebuia caraiba and Tabebuia argentea are small trees, growing to 10-20 ft.
- Tree to 20 m high. Stems with U-shaped leaf scars. Leaves round in outline, with 7–11 lobes seedling leaves unlobed. Fruit grey-green, slightly fleshy.
- The slender trunk of trumpet tree has a tall, ungainly, open habitat of growth.
Traditional Uses
- The Trumpet Tree (Embauba) is widely used in traditional medicine in Central and South America.
- Trumpet tree leaf is used for the treatment of bronchitis, hypertension, Obesity, bacterial infection, Respiratory disorders and diabetes.
- South American shamans regard Brugmansia arborea, and other species of angel's trumpet, as extremely sacred.
Quirky Facts
- The common name "trumpet tree" for Cecropia peltata comes from the use of its hollow stems as a musical instrument by the Uaup Indians.
- Angel's trumpet flowers are known for being very fragrant.