Family: Urticaceae
Cecropia schreberiana, commonly known as pumpwood, is a fast-growing tropical tree native to the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the Lesser Antilles. It is easily recognized by its tall, straight trunk, large palmate leaves with a silvery underside, and hollow stems that often house ants. Pumpwood is a pioneer species, meaning it quickly colonizes disturbed areas such as landslides and forest gaps. In its native range, it plays an important ecological role by providing food for wildlife—its small fruits are favored by birds and bats—and it is sometimes used for light construction, carvings, and traditional medicinal purposes. The tree is also occasionally planted as an ornamental or shade tree due to its rapid growth and tropical appearance.
Outside its native range, pumpwood can pose ecological risks because of its aggressive growth and ability to spread quickly. It produces abundant seeds that are readily dispersed by birds, allowing it to establish rapidly in disturbed forests and along roadsides. In tropical island ecosystems like Hawaiʻi, this behavior can enable pumpwood to outcompete native plants, alter forest structure, and interfere with natural regeneration processes. Its association with ants may further discourage native species from establishing nearby. For these reasons, Cecropia schreberiana is considered a potential invasive threat in some regions.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability
- Naturalized outside native range
- Weed in gardens, agriculture, and natural areas
- Shade-tolerant
- Forms dense thickets
- Produces viable seeds in high numbers
- Seeds survive animal digestion
- Persistent seed bank (>1 year)
Low Risk Traits:
- No thorns, burrs, or allelopathy
- Not parasitic or toxic to animals/humans
- Palatable to grazers
- Not a fire hazard, climber, or aquatic
- No vegetative reproduction
