General Description
Celtis africana Burm.f. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Cannabaceae. It is commonly known as the white stinkwood and is native to southern and central Africa. It can grow up to a maximum height of 20 meters and has a broad, roundish crown which can reach 10 to 15 meters in diameter. The tree's bark is whitish-grey or light brown with fine longitudinal fissures and is not thick. It has alternate, simple leaves that are dark green, glossy, and serrated with pointed tips that vary in shape from elliptical to ovate.
Common Names
The tree is commonly known as white stinkwood in English due to the white color of the wood and a faint unpleasant smell when the leaves are crushed. In Afrikaans, it is known as witstinkhout. Other African names by which this plant is called include umVumvu, umNuka, muvumba, yomane, and muvhambuli.
Uses
Celtis africana Burm.f. is a multipurpose tree that has a range of uses. The leaves are used to make a tea that is said to have medicinal properties and is used as a cure for colds, flu, and other respiratory problems. The bark is used for making rope, while the wood is used for making furniture, crates, and is also appropriate for carpentry work. The tree is also often used as an ornamental plant, particularly in parks and gardens due to its attractive appearance, shade, and wide root system. Additionally, it is suitable for erosion control and riparian zone rehabilitation projects as it is drought tolerant and has the ability to grow in various soil types.
Growth Conditions for Celtis africana Burm.f.
Celtis africana, commonly known as white stinkwood, is a deciduous tree that thrives in warm regions. This plant is native to South Africa and is grown for its ornamental value as well as for its edible fruit and medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Celtis africana requires full sun to partial shade to grow optimally. Full sun exposure is ideal for this plant as it helps with flowering and fruit production. However, it can also tolerate partial shade in areas with intense heat and sunlight. Inadequate sunlight exposure can lead to stunted growth and reduced productivity.
Temperature Requirements
Celtis africana prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20-25°C (68-77°F). In areas with temperatures above 32°C (90°F), it may experience heat stress, resulting in leaf drop and reduced growth. In colder areas, it can be grown as an indoor plant to protect it from frost and cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Celtis africana prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not tolerate water-logged or saline soils. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to maintain optimal growth and fruit production. During planting, add organic matter such as compost to the soil to improve its fertility and water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods of Celtis Africana Burm.f.
Celtis africana Burm.f. is mostly propagated through seedlings or by rooting cuttings. When planting, dig the ground thoroughly, and add well rotten cow manure or compost to the soil. Celtis africana Burm.f. prefers a well-drained soil and a slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5) soil with moderate to high fertility.
It is best to transplant Celtis africana Burm.f. during the cool months of the year, ideally during the early spring or fall to give time for establishment and acclimatization before the summer heat. On transplanting, deep water the plant thoroughly and keep it well watered for the first few weeks.
Watering Needs of Celtis Africana Burm.f.
Celtis africana Burm.f. is a drought-tolerant plant, but regular watering is necessary for vigorous growth and good yields. A newly transplanted Celtis africana Burm.f. requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks until establishment.
In dry areas, regular watering is advisable, especially during prolonged dry spells. It is best to water the Celtis africana Burm.f. thoroughly on a regular basis rather than shallow watering every day. Deep watering encourages a stronger, deeper root system.
Fertilization of Celtis Africana Burm.f.
Celtis africana Burm.f. requires moderately high fertility. Before planting, add well-rotted farmyard manure or compost to the soil to boost the soil's fertility. It is also advisable to top-dress with compost annually.
If additional fertilization is required, use a balanced fertilizer in the ratio of 10:10:10 during the growing season, preferably in the early spring when the Celtis africana Burm.f. resumes growth. Always water the plant before fertilizing to avoid root burn.
Pruning of Celtis Africana Burm.f.
Celtis africana Burm.f. requires minimal pruning but can be pruned to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring just before the new growth begins.
Remove damaged, diseased, or dead branches as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Also, remove any water shoots (vigorous upright new growth) and suckers from the base of the plant to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
Propagation of Celtis africana Burm.f.
Celtis africana Burm.f., also known as white stinkwood, is a deciduous tree with a spreading canopy that is native to parts of Africa. Propagation of this plant is typically done through seed, cuttings, or grafting. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and may be used depending on the desired outcomes and available resources.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is one of the most common methods used to propagate Celtis africana Burm.f. Seeds are collected from the tree when they are mature and then sown in containers or directly in the ground. If sowing in containers, it is important to use porous soil that provides good drainage. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and covered lightly with soil. They should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take several weeks to several months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another viable method for propagating Celtis africana Burm.f. Cuttings can be taken from healthy, disease-free trees during the dormant season. Careful attention should be paid to selecting the right cutting, as it should be roughly 20-25 cm long and contain 3-4 nodes. After preparing the cutting, it should be dipped in rooting hormone and then inserted into a porous medium, such as sand or a mixture of sand and peat moss. The container should be placed in a shaded area and kept moist until the cutting roots, which can take several weeks to several months. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagation by Grafting
Propagation by grafting is another option for propagating Celtis africana Burm.f. This method involves taking a scion from a desired tree and grafting it onto a rootstock of a closely related species. This technique is typically used to maintain desirable characteristics of the parent tree, such as disease resistance or fruit quality. Grafting is typically done during the dormant season and requires some knowledge of grafting techniques. Once the graft has taken, the new plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Celtis africana Burm.f.
Celtis africana Burm.f. is a hardy tree species that grows well in a wide range of conditions. However, like all plants, it is not immune to diseases and pests. In this section, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that affects many tree species, including Celtis africana. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, defoliation, and dieback of branches. To manage this disease, pruning infected branches, ensuring good air circulation, and keeping the area around the tree free of debris can help limit its spread. Fungicide sprays can also be effective.
Powdery mildew is also a common fungal disease that affects Celtis africana. Symptoms include a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and buds. In severe cases, leaves may curl and drop prematurely. To manage this disease, removing and disposing of infected plant material, ensuring good air circulation, and regularly applying fungicide can help control its spread.
Common Pests
Scale insects are common pests that can attack Celtis africana. These small, flat insects attach themselves to the bark or leaves of the tree and suck sap. Symptoms include yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and the presence of small, round, waxy bumps on the bark or leaves. To manage this pest, remove and dispose of infected plant material, regularly apply insecticide, and encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Spider mites are another common pest that can attack Celtis africana. These tiny, reddish-brown insects live on the underside of leaves and spin fine webs. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and the presence of webs. To manage this pest, removing and disposing of infected plant material, regularly applying insecticide, and ensuring good air circulation can help limit its spread.
Overall, proper care and maintenance, including regular watering and fertilizing, can help keep Celtis africana healthy and resistant to diseases and pests. Regular monitoring and early intervention can also help limit the impact of these issues.
