Ulf Mehlig
The neotropical genus Cecropia generally features pioneer tree species (photos: C. palmata Willd.). In regions where most of the natural vegetation has been removed, like in the coastal region south of the Amazon mouth, they are ubiquitous. Most species of the genus are myrmecophytic, with ant colonies in their hollow stem centers and ant-nurturing patches at the petiole bases. I collected flowering material from this tree for #HBRA.
#Urticaceae #Amazonas #ants #deforestation #herbarium #botany
Jun 30, 2023 at 2:45pmWeb
Show threadUlf MehligJul 8, 2023
If you like trees, it is sad if you have to cut one down. The Cecropia palmata tree in our garden (I wrote about it last week) had developed a dangerous lean towards the neighbours' house. When inspecting the wood after felling it we detected a fungus infection. In spite of this and the fact that the species' rather soft wood isn't used here in the Amazon as lumber, I managed to make this box out of it, and there is plenty more waiting to be used.
#woodworking #Amazonas #lumber #handtools