Mexican bean tree, sometimes known simply as Cecropia, is an emerging weed on the north coast, with infestations found in the Northern Rivers region.
Infestations spread from ornamental trees planted in home gardens, invading wet forest edges and creek banks where they outcompete native plants and prevent native rainforest growth.
Mexican bean tree grows rapidly, especially after disturbance from storms and cyclones. It will dominate disturbed sites and interrupt natural regeneration of habitat in subtropical forests.
Mexican bean tree is a distinctive tree and may consist of a number of species, although only Cecropia peltata has been recorded in NSW. It grows 10-20m tall and has large, broad leaves up to 60cm across. The leaves are deeply lobed, green on top and white or silvery underneath, with fine hairs. They sit on long stalks and form an umbrella-like appearance when mature.
Male and female flowers occur on separate trees, however both types are in long clusters of finger-like spikes up to 20cm long. The female plant produces long cylindrical clusters of fleshy fruit.
It spreads by seed, which are distributed by birds and flying foxes who eat the sweet fruit. Both male and female plants need to be in close proximity to produce viable seeds.
Mexican bean tree can look similar in appearance to Pawpaw, Castor oil and Rice paper plant, so please make sure you contact Councils Biosecurity officer for confirmation of any suspected plants. Cecropia has not been recorded in Port Macquarie so far, so any plants must be reported to Council.
Think you might have Mexican bean tree?
Contact your Biosecurity officer for identification and advice on Mexican bean tree, or learn more on NSW WeedWise
