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72. Trumpet Tree 

 C ectopia spp. 



CAUTION: The branches of the trumpet tree are hollow and 

 are inhabited by swarms of small ants that bite painfully as 

 soon as a leaf or branch is touched. The long cord-like spines 

 of the tiny fleshy fruits may be eaten, but they are a poor sub- 

 stitute for food. This medium-size tree grows abundantly in 

 the lowlands of tropical America. It has a smooth trunk nearly 

 white in color, and a few branches near the top with large stiff 

 leaves green on top and white on the underside. The trumpet 

 tree gets its name from the fact that the hollow stems are used 

 for making wood instruments. In Central America it is called 

 guarumo and in Cuba and Puerto Rico yagrumo. 



