Overview:
Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. is a plant belonging to the family Cannabaceae. It is commonly known as the Small-Leaved Hackberry and is indigenous to tropical Africa.
General Appearance:
The Small-Leaved Hackberry tree typically grows up to 20 meters tall, with a diameter of 60 cm. The bark is grayish-brown, smooth, and has whitish spots. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate, and measure up to 8 cm long and 5 cm wide. The flowers are small, greenish, and form clusters. The fruit is about 1 cm in diameter, purple when ripe, and has a single seed.
Uses:
The Small-Leaved Hackberry tree is a multipurpose plant with various uses. The fruit is edible, and the tree is widely cultivated for its fruit in many parts of Africa. The fruit is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, which makes it an excellent source of nutrition, especially in times of food scarcity. The bark and leaves of the tree are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments like fever, dysentery, and malaria. The wood of the tree is also used commercially for furniture making.
Conclusion:
The Small-Leaved Hackberry is a valuable plant that has been used for various purposes for centuries. Its uses range from food to medicine to woodwork, making it an essential component of many African communities. The plant's distinctive appearance and nutritional value make it an admirable species that deserves more recognition.
Growth Conditions of Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn.
Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. commonly known as African nettle-tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree, native to Sub-Saharan Africa. The tree thrives well in hot and humid climatic conditions and grows vigorously in areas with abundant rainfall.
Light Requirements
The African nettle-tree requires full sunlight to thrive well. The tree is intolerant to shade, and insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and reduced fruit production. Therefore, it is important to plant the tree in an open field where it can receive full sunlight.
Soil Requirements
The African nettle-tree requires well-drained, loamy soil for optimal growth. The tree is adaptable to different soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as the soil is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5 - 7.0 is ideal for the Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. tree.
Temperature Requirements
The African nettle-tree thrives well in warm environments, with the optimal growth temperature range being 20 - 35°C. The tree can still survive in temperatures as low as 15°C, but prolonged exposure to low temperatures can lead to reduced growth and fruit production.
Water Requirements
The Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. tree requires regular watering to thrive well, especially during the dry season. The tree can withstand periodic flooding, but waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilizer Application
The African nettle-tree requires periodic fertilization to supplement the soil nutrients. The application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the growing season can promote vigorous growth and increased fruit production.
Propagation
The African nettle-tree can be propagated through seed sowing, stem cuttings, or grafting. However, seed propagation is the most common method, and the seeds should be sown in a nursery bed or polybags filled with fertile soil.
Cultivation Methods
Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. is a tropical tree that grows well under full sunlight or partial shade. It thrives in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, with adequate drainage. For optimal growth, the tree requires a pH range of 5 to 7.5. It is propagated through seeds and cuttings, and young trees need protection from strong winds. Planting should be done during the rainy season when the soil is moist.
Watering Needs
Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. requires adequate water supply, particularly during the first two years after planting. The tree needs regular watering, ranging from 15 to 20 liters per week, depending on the environmental conditions. During the dry season, the watering frequency should be increased to avoid moisture stress, which can stunt growth and lower yields. However, excessive watering can lead to waterlogging, root rot, and other related issues. Proper drainage should be maintained to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential in promoting growth and enhancing yields. Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. responds well to organic and inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can be applied twice a year, while inorganic fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied three times a year in split doses. The application rates of fertilizers should be based on soil fertility tests and nutrient requirements of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain the shape and size of the tree, and remove diseased and damaged branches. Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. can be pruned in its early stages to form a central stem and well-spaced scaffold branches. Dead or damaged branches can be removed at any time of the year. Major pruning can be done during the dormant season to remove overgrown branches, promote airflow, and stimulate new growth. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid injuring the tree and affecting yields.
Propagation of Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn.
Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as African hackberry or small-leaved African hackberry, is a species of Celtis that is native to Africa. This plant species can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Celtis guineensis var. parvifolia. To propagate the plant by seed, you must first obtain mature seeds from the female plant. Seeds should be sown in well-prepared seedbeds just before the onset of the rainy season. Germination usually occurs within 3-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual bags or pots after two or three months of growth.
Cuttings Propagation
Celtis guineensis var. parvifolia can also be propagated by hardwood cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature, dormant woody stems just before the onset of the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 30 cm in length with at least three nodes and no leaves. The cuttings should then be planted in a suitable rooting medium under mist conditions. Rooting usually occurs in 8-10 weeks; after that, the cutting can be treated as a seedling and transplanted into individual bags or pots.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering or marcotting is another method of propagating Celtis guineensis var. parvifolia. This method is best for larger specimens. To air-layer, select a branch that is at least 2 cm in diameter and make a 2 cm cut in the bark and cambium layer. Apply rooting hormone to the cut, wrap a ball of moist sphagnum moss around the cut, and cover it with a plastic bag. The roots should form within 1-2 months, and the new plant can then be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a container or pot.
Conclusion
Propagation of Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. can be done through seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and air-layering propagation. Choose the most appropriate method for your situation and enjoy growing this beautiful and useful species.
Disease Management
Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to some diseases. The most common plant diseases that affect Celtis guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. are fungal diseases.
Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora, is a common disease that affects the plant. Symptoms of this disease include circular or angular spots on the leaves with a tan or gray center and yellow or brown edges. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected leaves immediately, tighten up watering schedules, and promote good air circulation around the plant.
Another fungal disease that can affect the plant is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum. Symptoms include small, circular or irregular spots on the leaves. These spots can be brown or tan with yellow halos. To manage this disease, it's crucial to remove infected leaves immediately, reduce watering schedules, and avoid water contact with the foliage.
Pest Management
C. guineensis Schumach. & Thonn. var. parvifolia Schumach. & Thonn. is generally resilient to pests. However, it can occasionally suffer damage from a few common insect pests.
Scale insects are tiny, immobile insects that can attach themselves to the plant's leaves and stems. Scale insects can reduce the plant's vigor and stunt its growth. To control scale insects, it's essential to remove them by hand or use insecticidal soap.
The other common insect pest that can affect the plant is the caterpillar. Caterpillars feed on the leaves and can defoliate the plant. One way to control caterpillars is to remove them by hand. Insecticides can also be used, but if the plant is infested with a large number of caterpillars, cultural controls may be a better option. Culturally controlling caterpillars involves regularly inspecting the plants and removing any egg masses or young larvae before they cause significant damage. It is essential to keep the area around the plant clean and free of debris to minimize the caterpillar population's success.
