Overview
Celtis australis is commonly known as European or Mediterranean nettle tree and is a member of the Cannabaceae family. This deciduous tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and is native to southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.
Appearance
The bark of Celtis australis is gray and smooth when young, becoming rough and dark with age. Its leaves are alternate and simple, with a slightly serrated margin and a pointed apex. They are approximately 6 cm long and 4 cm wide and have a dark green color that turns yellow in the fall. The tree's flowers are small and greenish, and the fruit is a drupe that ripens from green to reddish-brown in color.
Common Uses
Celtis australis has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. Its leaves and bark have been used to make tea, and the fruit is used to make a sweet paste that is used in desserts. The tree's wood is durable and has been used for construction, making furniture, and for fuel. Celtis australis is also an important ornamental tree and is often planted in parks and gardens for its attractive foliage and bark.
Cultivation
Celtis australis is a hardy tree that is easy to grow. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. The tree can tolerate drought and air pollution and is highly resistant to pests and diseases. It is commonly propagated from seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
Light requirements
Celtis australis grows in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but the growth may be affected, resulting in thinner stems and less dense foliage.
Temperature requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Celtis australis is a hardy tree that can survive in temperatures as low as -15°C in winter. However, it grows best in areas with a mean annual temperature range of 10-26°C.
Soil requirements
Celtis australis grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as they are well-drained. The ideal soil pH for this plant is neutral to slightly alkaline, between 6.5-7.5.
Celtis Australis Cultivation
Celtis australis, also known as European Nettle Tree, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Ulmaceae family. It is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. The tree grows up to a height of 20-25 meters, with a width of 8-10 meters.
Planting and Watering
Celtis australis prefers well-drained soil with good organic matter. The tree can grow in full sun or partial shade. Plant it in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Water the tree regularly during the first year after planting to help establish the roots. Celtis australis is drought-tolerant once established. However, it should be watered during long periods of dry weather to maintain healthy growth.
Fertilization
Celtis australis does not require frequent fertilization. However, it can benefit from an annual slow-release fertilizer in early spring before the start of the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
Celtis australis does not require frequent pruning. However, it can be pruned to control its size, shape, and to remove any diseased or damaged branches. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season. Remove any branches that cross or rub against each other to prevent wounds and diseases. Pruning can also help promote a more open canopy that allows sunlight to reach the lower branches.
Propagation of Celtis australis
Celtis australis, also known as European hackberry, is a plant that can be propagated by several methods, such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Celtis australis can be sown in the autumn or spring. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked overnight in water to help soften the hard coat. Then, they should be planted in trays filled with a well-draining, fertile soil mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water well. Place the trays in a warm, bright spot, and germination should occur within two to four weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
To propagate Celtis australis by cuttings, select a green stem that is preferably 8-12 inches long, with at least two nodes. Remove all the leaves except for the top two, and dip the bottom part of the stem in rooting hormone. Then, plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to increase humidity and provide warmth. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, indirect sunlight spot. After 3-4 weeks, the cutting should start to root.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is another propagation method that can be used for Celtis australis. To do this, select a healthy, flexible stem that is close to the ground and strip off the leaves and branches of a section of the stem. Pin the section to the ground with wire or pegs, or bury it under a layer of soil, leaving the top exposed. Water the plant regularly, and after one year, the new plant should have established roots. Cut it off from the parent plant, and transplant it to a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Celtis Australis
Celtis Australis is a deciduous tree species known for its hardiness and resistance to most pests and diseases. However, there are a few common diseases and pests that you may encounter, including:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose - This fungal disease can be recognized by yellow or brown spotted leaves, leaf curling and twig blight. The disease is more common during wet seasons. One way to manage Anthracnose is to trim off the infected branches and leaves and dispose of them properly.
2. Powdery Mildew - This disease presents itself as a white, powdery growth on the leaves and flowers of the plant. It is a fungal disease that thrives in humid weather. To manage Powdery Mildew, cleaning and pruning of affected leaves and branches can be done then treating the plant with a fungicide.
Pests
1. Bark Beetles - These pests are known to attack Celtis Australis trees when they are under stress or have been damaged. They chew through the bark, leaving visible holes and galleries. One way to manage Bark Beetles is to remove infested branches and destroy them. You can also use insecticides though it may cause harm to beneficial insects.
2. Spider Mites - These sap-sucking pests usually appear in hot and dry seasons, and can damage Celtis Australis by causing leaf discoloration, stunted growth, and defoliation. To manage Spider Mites, washing the tree with a high pressure spray of water can provide a temporary control. Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help manage them permanently.
It is important to note that preventative measures should be taken before diseases and pests appear. Keeping the tree healthy with proper irrigation, pruning, and fertilization can go a long way in ensuring that it is resistant to these problems.
