Introduction
Celtis brieyi De Wild. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Ulmaceae family. It is commonly known as "Mongongo," "Mangetti," or "Makongo" in several African countries, including Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia.Origin
Celtis brieyi De Wild. is native to southern Africa, where it is a valuable plant with different uses. It primarily grows in woodland habitats, specifically in sandy soils.General Appearance
Celtis brieyi De Wild. is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 25 meters in height. Its bark is smooth and has a light grey to brownish color. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to lanceolate in shape with serrated margins. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom between September and February. The fruit of the tree is edible and has a hard-shelled nut that contains an edible kernel.Uses
Celtis brieyi De Wild. has many different uses. Its fruit is harvested for its kernel, which is a rich source of oil and protein and is consumed by people and wildlife. The tree is also an important timber source, with its wood being used to make furniture, utensils, and construction materials. The bark and leaves of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including dysentery and roundworm infections. Additionally, the tree provides shade, serves as a windbreak, and protects the soil from erosion.Light
Celtis brieyi De Wild. requires full sun to partial shade. It can grow in a range of light conditions, but it performs best in locations with bright, direct sunlight.
Temperature
This plant is adaptable to a variety of temperature ranges. It thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants tolerate cold temperatures, but they do not tolerate frost.
Soil Requirements
Celtis brieyi De Wild. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal. This tree can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers loamy or sandy soils. It can also tolerate clayey soils if they are well-draining.
Cultivation Methods
Celtis brieyi De Wild. is a slow-growing tree with a potentially long lifespan. The tree does well in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. When cultivating Celtis brieyi De Wild., ensure that you provide sufficient space for the tree to develop as it is a large tree with a spreading canopy. The plant also needs regular watering during the first year of growth, after which it is relatively drought-resistant.
Watering Needs
When planting Celtis brieyi De Wild., it is essential to water it generously. After the first year, the tree needs less water but still requires moderate moisture. You can reduce watering frequency during early spring and late summer to help the tree conserve moisture. However, do not let the soil get too dry, as this will require re-hydration before watering.
Fertilization
The Celtis brieyi De Wild. does not need a lot of fertilizer, but it requires occasional application of balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer in the early spring or summer, as this will provide the necessary nutrients to support leaf and stem growth. Do not over-fertilize as this can cause unnecessary stress on the tree.
Pruning
Pruning of Celtis brieyi De Wild. is not necessary, but you may want to consider removing dead or dying branches. Prune during the winter months when the tree is dormant. Avoid pruning during the growing season, as that may stimulate new growth, which can then be damaged by frost. Pruning the tree may help you to maintain its shape, remove damaged branches, or reduce the weight of heavy branches.
Propagation of Celtis brieyi De Wild.
Celtis brieyi De Wild., also known as West African White Stinkwood, can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Celtis brieyi De Wild. is through seeds. The seeds need to be collected from mature fruits. The fruits can be gathered from the tree once they turn brown and start to fall off the branches. The seeds can then be extracted manually and stratified in sand for two to three months to improve germination. Seeds can be sown in seedbeds in fall, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers after they reach a suitable size. The transplanted seedlings should be kept in a shaded area with adequate water and humidity.
Propagation by Cuttings
Celtis brieyi De Wild. can also be propagated via cuttings. The cuttings should be from mature trees with woody stems that are 8 to 10 cm long. Cuttings should be taken in early fall before the leaves fall off. The basal end of the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a sandy soil mix in a suitable container. The cutting should then be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and protect the cutting from excessive wind. The cutting should be rooted in about six to twelve weeks and should be transplanted to individual containers thereafter.
Propagation by Layering
The propagation of Celtis brieyi De Wild. can also be done through layering. A low branch from a mature tree needs to be bent and pinned to the ground, and the area where the branch touches the soil should be scarified to promote root growth. The branch should be covered with soil and kept moist. After six to twelve months, the branch can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted to individual containers.
Disease Management for Celtis brieyi De Wild.
Celtis brieyi De Wild. is generally resistant to most diseases, but it may be susceptible to fungal infections in areas with high humidity. The most common diseases that may affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves, which may lead to defoliation and twig dieback. To manage this disease, remove infected plant material and prune affected branches. Apply fungicides following label instructions for severe cases.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular spots on leaves that turn brown and may drop off. To manage this disease, remove infected plant material, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as necessary.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a whitish coating on leaves, which may distort growth and reduce vigor. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant, avoid high nitrogen fertilization, and apply fungicides following label instructions.
Pest Management for Celtis brieyi De Wild.
Celtis brieyi De Wild. is not commonly affected by pests, but there are a few insects that may cause damage. The most common pests that may affect this plant are:
- Scale insects: These sap-sucking insects attach themselves to stems and leaves, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and premature leaf drop. To manage scale insects, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap and ensure thorough coverage of all plant parts.
- Caterpillars: These leaf-eating insects may defoliate the plant if left unchecked. To manage caterpillars, handpick them or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products following label instructions.
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects may cause distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, or spray with a strong stream of water to dislodge them.
