Musanga cecropioides --African Corkwood--

African corkwood, umbrella tree A stunning, small to medium-sized, stilt-rooted tree with an umbrella-like crown of large, circular, palmate leaves that are divided to the base into numerous, long segments. It is native to a variety of humid, tropical forests in western and central tropical Africa, where it can be locally common. Like the closely related Cecropia, Musanga needs a lot of light to flourish and is often associated with disturbed sites where it takes advantage of gaps in the forest canopy. Musanga cecropioides is fast growing and adaptable, and a beautiful tree for the tropics. It is ideal for quickly creating a canopy and for erosion protection. Its wood is very light and the branches pithy. The tiny seeds germinate quickly in warm, humid conditions.Cultural RequirementsSun Exposure Full sun from early ageLight shade when youngFrost Tolerance NoneWater Requirements HighWind Tolerance ModerateAppearanceGrowth Rate Very fastGrowth Form Medium TreeOrnamental Value BeautifulUsesProperties ColorfulEvergreenGardening LandscapingOrnamentalAgriculture/Forestry Erosion ControlQuick Canopy