Origin
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. is a deciduous tree species belonging to the family Cannabaceae. The plant is native to southern Africa, specifically found in countries such as Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. is commonly referred to as the white stinkwood, stemmy white stinkwood, or the Booycoxia tree. These common names are derived from the plant's white-colored wood and unpleasant odor when crushed. In Afrikaans, the plant is known as the witstinkhout.
Uses
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. has several practical and cultural uses. The tree's wood is used for carving, furniture making, and construction due to its hardness and durability. The bark and leaves of the plant are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as flu, fever, and stomach pain. In some African cultures, the tree is believed to have spiritual significance and is often used in various rituals and ceremonies.
General Appearance
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree has a dense, spreading crown with a rounded shape. The bark of the tree is smooth, light gray or brown, and becomes rough and flaky with age. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate with serrated margins and a glossy green color. The tree produces small white flowers that are inconspicuous and are followed by small, greenish-brown fruits that ripen to yellow.
Growth Conditions of Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch.
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch., commonly known as the white stinkwood, is a deciduous tree that is native to Southern Africa. The tree is known for its medicinal properties and its high-quality wood used for furniture and construction. For successful growth, the tree requires specific growth conditions.
Light Requirements
Celtis eriantha grows best in areas that receive full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Without proper sunlight, the tree may grow poorly, and its leaves may start to turn yellow and fall off. Therefore, it is essential to plant the tree in an open area where it can receive enough sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The white stinkwood tree can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in areas with minimum temperatures of about 10°C and maximum temperatures of 40°C. However, during the growing season, the optimal temperature range for the tree is between 20°C and 30°C. Cold temperatures may cause leaf drop, reduced growth, and even death in the tree.
Soil Requirements
The white stinkwood prefers well-drained soils, with a neutral pH of between 6.5 and 7.5. The soil should also be rich in nutrients, organic matter, and have good water-holding capacity. The tree can grow in a range of soils, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it is essential to avoid planting the tree in waterlogged areas, as it may cause root rot.
It is also crucial to ensure that the tree has enough space to grow and develop a strong root system. Celtis eriantha requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought, to ensure proper growth and development.
Cultivation
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It requires well-drained soils with good organic matter content. The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate moderate shade. It is native to Africa and can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions.
The ideal planting time is during the rainy season, which helps the tree establish its roots. The planting hole should be twice the size of the root ball and should be backfilled with soil mixed with compost. The tree should be watered regularly during the first year to help it establish.
Watering needs
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. requires moderate watering and can tolerate short periods of drought. The tree should be watered deeply once or twice a week during the growing season. However, care should be taken not to overwater the tree as this can lead to root rot.
The amount of water required by the tree depends on soil type, temperature, and humidity. The soil should be checked regularly to ensure that it is moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15 can be applied during the growing season. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be used sparingly as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure can be added to the soil during planting or applied as a mulch around the tree. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize the tree as this can lead to nutrient deficiency or toxicity.
Pruning
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. requires minimal pruning. The tree naturally forms a single trunk with a conical crown. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be pruned during the dormant season. Crossing branches and those that grow towards the center of the tree should also be pruned to improve airflow and light penetration.
To maintain the tree's shape, minimal pruning can be done during the growing season. The tree's canopy should be thinned to improve light penetration and reduce competition among branches. The tree should be pruned to maintain a balanced shape.
Propagation of Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch.
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. can be propagated through several methods, which include:
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from the fruit of a mature plant and allowed to dry in an area away from direct sunlight. After drying, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. This method involves taking a 6-8 inch long stem cutting from a parent plant and dipping it in rooting hormone before planting it in well-draining soil. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a humid environment until it develops roots.
Layering
Layering is a propagation method that involves bending a low branch of the parent plant towards the soil, making small incisions in the bark, and covering the area with soil. Roots will grow from the incision, and once established, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method for Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch. that involves combining a scion from a desirable cultivar with a rootstock from a different plant. This method allows growers to produce a stronger plant with desired traits, but requires experience and knowledge in the proper techniques.
Regardless of the method used for propagation, it is important to maintain proper care of the new plant to ensure its successful growth and development.
Disease and Pest Management for Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch.
Celtis eriantha E.Mey. ex Planch., commonly known as the white stinkwood, is a deciduous tree that is native to Southern Africa. The tree is generally hardy and tolerant of a wide range of conditions. However, it can be affected by various diseases and pests that may cause damage if not managed well. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect the Celtis eriantha and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, twigs, and fruits of the tree. It causes black spots on the leaves, which may turn brown and fall off. The twigs and fruits may also show cankers or sunken spots. To manage this disease, prune and dispose of infected twigs and leaves. Also, avoid overhead irrigation and apply a fungicide when necessary.
2. Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the tree. It causes a white or grayish powder-like substance on the leaves, which may eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage powdery mildew, prune and dispose of infected leaves, and avoid overhead irrigation. Apply a fungicide when necessary.
3. Root rot: This disease affects the roots of the tree, leading to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the tree. It is caused by various soil-borne fungi. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage of the soil, avoid overwatering the tree, and apply fungicides when necessary.
Pests
1. Scale insects: These are small insects that attach to the leaves or stems of the tree and suck sap from the plant. They may cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage these insects, prune and dispose of infected leaves and stems, and apply insecticides when necessary.
2. Spider mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the underside of leaves and cause yellowing, browning, and eventual death of the leaves. To manage spider mites, prune and dispose of infected leaves, increase humidity around the tree, and apply insecticides when necessary.
3. Whiteflies: These are small insects that feed on the leaves of the tree, causing yellowing and dropping of the leaves. To manage whiteflies, prune and dispose of infected leaves, increase humidity around the tree, and use insecticides when necessary.
In summary, proper management of diseases and pests is crucial in ensuring the health and longevity of Celtis eriantha trees. Regular inspection, pruning, and disposal of infected leaves and stems, as well as good cultural practices, such as proper drainage and irrigation, can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
