Musanga cecropioides

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Botanical Description: Musanga cecropioides is a pioneer species, typically one of the first to colonize cleared or disturbed areas in the rainforest. It grows rapidly and can reach up to 20 meters (about 65 feet) in height, but it has a relatively short lifespan, usually not living more than 15-20 years. The tree has a slender trunk with a wide-spreading, umbrella-like canopy that gives it its common name, the umbrella tree. The wood is lightweight and somewhat soft. The leaves are large and palmate, resembling those of the Cecropia species, hence the species name "cecropioides." They can be up to 60 cm (24 inches) across and are divided into several lobes. The broad, expansive leaves are efficient at capturing sunlight, which aids the tree’s rapid growth. Musanga cecropioides produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are grouped in spikes. The fruit is a small capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.
Flowering/Fruiting: Flowering begins around March to April.
Plant Uses: Economic and Practical Uses(Pulp and Paper Industry, Lightweight Wood Products & Crafts and Traditional Tools), Medicinal Uses and Ecological Uses.
Origin: Introduced
Locality: University of Port Harcourt Abuja Campus.
Habit: Tree
Mode: Wild