Origin:
Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle is a tree species that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. It is native to Africa and specifically found in Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Common Names:
The common names of Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle include Ugandan nettle tree, East African hackberry, and Mugumo.
Uses:
Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle has a variety of uses, ranging from medicinal to cultural. The leaves are used as a natural remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach pains. The bark is used to treat malaria and other fevers. The wood is strong and durable, making it suitable for carpentry and used in the construction of houses, furniture, and tools. It is also an important tree in traditional practices, and the Mugumo tree is considered sacred in the Kikuyu tribe of Kenya.
General Appearance:
Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle is a semi-deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree has a relatively smooth, light-brown bark, which is often slightly flaky or rough in texture. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptic with a pointed tip and serrated margins. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers which develop into small, round fruits that are edible and yellow-brown in color when ripe. The tree has a deep and wide-spreading root system, which makes it ideal for soil stabilization and erosion control measures.
Growth Conditions for Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle
Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle, commonly known as the Ugandan hackberry, is a deciduous tree species native to Africa. Here are the typical growth conditions for this species:
Light Requirements
The Ugandan hackberry prefers to grow in areas that receive full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it grows best in areas that receive direct sunlight for at least half of the day. Therefore, it is not recommended to plant this species in heavily shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The Ugandan hackberry can grow in a wide range of temperatures. However, temperature extremes can affect its growth and health. It grows best in areas with a temperature range between 20°C to 30°C (68 to 86°F). The species can tolerate temperatures as low as -2°C (28°F) and as high as 38°C (100°F).
Soil Requirements
The Ugandan hackberry prefers to grow in well-draining, fertile soils. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but it grows best in soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The species can tolerate some drought, but it grows best when the soil is kept moist. The soil should be enriched with organic matter before planting to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle is a deciduous tree that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay. If planting from seed, it is recommended to scarify the seed to enhance germination. Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle can also be propagated by cuttings. To ensure successful growth, plant in a location that receives full sun.Watering Needs
Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, excessive watering and waterlogging should be avoided as they can lead to root rot. To determine if it is time to water, check the soil moisture level. Stick a finger a few inches into the soil. If the soil is dry, it is time to water the plant.Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the optimal growth and development of Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle. To fertilize, use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. The amount of fertilizer to apply will depend on the soil fertility and the size of the tree. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the fertilizer package.Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle and to increase fruit production. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is late winter or early spring. When pruning, remove any damaged, diseased or dead branches. Also, remove any branches that are crossing and rubbing against each other. Be careful not to remove more than one-third of the tree's canopy at once, as this can harm the tree. Finally, ensure that all tools used for pruning are clean and sharp to avoid causing damage to the tree.Propagation of Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle
Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle can be propagated through various methods:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Celtis durandii is through seeds. The seeds are usually collected from the tree during the period of fruiting. Seeds of Celtis durandii must be ripe before being sown. The best time to collect the seeds is when they turn brown and begin to drop from the tree. After collection, the seeds should be cleaned, sorted, and stored in a dry place until sowing time.
Before sowing, the seeds are scarified to improve germination. This can be done by gently rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or using hot water to soak the seeds. Once scarified, the seeds should be planted in well-drained soil and covered lightly with soil. Germination can take between 4-6 weeks. The young seedlings should be transplanted into bigger containers or bags as soon as they become big enough to handle.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings of Celtis durandii can be used to propagate new plants. The cuttings should be taken from mature branches of the tree. Cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone to increase the chances of rooting. They should be planted in well-drained soil and covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until they begin to root. Once rooted, the plastic can be removed, and the cuttings can be gradually exposed to full sun.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is another method of propagation that can be used for Celtis durandii. This method involves wounding a small section of a branch and then wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss or another moist substrate. A plastic bag is used to hold the moist substrate in place. Over time, roots will develop from the wounded section of the branch. Once the roots have developed, the branch can be cut from the tree and transplanted into a pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management for Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle
Some common diseases that can affect Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots and defoliation in severe cases. It can be managed by proper sanitation practices, such as removing and destroying infected plant material, as well as using fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant, watering at the base of the plant, and using fungicides.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease can help prevent widespread infections. Proper cultural practices, such as avoiding overhead watering and ensuring proper plant spacing, can also help prevent disease.
Pest Management for Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis (Rendle) Rendle
Common pests that can affect Celtis durandii Engl. var. ugandensis include:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause distorted leaves and a sticky residue on plant surfaces. They can be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These small arachnids can cause a yellowing of leaves and fine webbing on the plant surface. They can be managed by increasing humidity or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of pest infestations can help prevent widespread damage. Cultivating beneficial insects and regular pruning to improve plant health can also help prevent pests from establishing on the plant. Insecticides should be used as a last resort and only if necessary.
