Description
The leaves of this very fast growing tree known as Cecropia peltata are scattered around the six acres I reside on in Hawaii. They turn silvery-white and fall from the branches resembling star-shaped open umbrellas with dark reddish-brown stems and veins. It is also known as the trumpet tree as the hollow trunks are traditionally used to make simple musical instruments like blow tubes. They are native to Southern Mexico and Central America but in Hawaii and elsewhere are considered a “pioneer” plant colonizing cleared or hurricane damaged areas in rainforests and are a key component of secondary growth crucial to tropical ecosystems. They produce a dreadlock-shaped inflorescence or dangling cluster of flowers called “snake fingers” that is edible and sort of like a fig and honey-tasting gummy. I arranged this leaf on lava rock with a few cecropia pods and ruffled, origami-like flower, reddish-orange glory bush leaves and split-open Malabar chestnut pod exposing the pale fuzzy seeds that are edible and known as Saba nuts (best roasted, fried or ground into flour). Also known as Pachira aquatica or money tree, this evergreen is prized for its braided trunk and palmate leaves believed to bring positive energy (“Chi”) and prosperity. Bring an auspicious flow into your home with this image.
