I agree that it probably isn't manihot escuentla (although that would be the best outcome) because the leaves are separated all the way down and don't join at the base.
Seeing the Ceiba on your list got my attention. They are native here and they are considered sacred, the Maya will build around them rather than cut them down. So, I ran outside to look for spines on the trunk, a ceiba when it is young will have them. Yes, there are small thorns protruding from the trunk so I'm pretty sure it is a Ceiba. I have to pull it out. They get huge here, with trunks over 10' in diameter!! Not in my back yard.
a close up of the tiny spines.
Thank you so much. I shudder to think how hard it would be to remove it if it got any bigger. Plus, it is right next to my pond and the roots could break into the pond. Going out now to up root it.
