Origin of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg.
Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. belongs to the family Cannabaceae. It is a species of tree that is native to South and Central America and the Caribbean. It is known by different names, including iguana hackberry, iguana berry, and false elm.
Common Names for Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg.
In different regions, Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. has various names. In English, it is called iguana hackberry, iguana berry, and false elm, whereas in Spanish, people refer to it as "dita" or "capa de pobre," which means "poor man's coat." In some regions, the plant is also known as "palma or palo de bruja" (witch's palm or witch's stick).
Uses of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg.
Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. has several uses in traditional medicine. Its leaves and bark are used to treat various ailments such as cough, stomach pain, and diarrhea. The plant also has diuretic properties and can be used to treat hypertension and kidney problems. Additionally, the fruit of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. is edible and is sometimes used in the preparation of jams and jellies.
General Appearance of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg.
Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The tree has a thick trunk with a rough, scaly bark that is grayish-brown in color. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape, with serrated margins. The flowers of the plant are small and inconspicuous and are followed by an edible fruit that resembles a small berry. The fruit is yellowish-green when ripe and has a sweet flavor.
Light Requirements
The Celtis iguanaea plant requires full sunlight for optimal growth conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The Celtis iguanaea plant prefers warm to hot temperatures, between 20-30°C (68-86°F), but can tolerate a range between 10-35°C (50-95°F).
Soil Requirements
The Celtis iguanaea plant prefers well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6-7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter to support healthy growth and development.
Cultivation
Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. can be grown either from seeds or from cuttings.
If you want to grow plants from seeds, start with soaking the seeds in water for a day or two. Sow them in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. The pot should have drainage holes at the bottom. The seedlings should appear within 2 to 3 weeks, provided the temperature is favorable.
If you want to propagate from cuttings, take semi-hardwood cuttings from the plant in late summer or autumn. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide indirect sunlight until the cuttings establish roots.
Watering Needs
Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. prefers moist but well-draining soil. Watering should be regular and sufficient to keep the soil consistently moist.
During the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week. You can reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant, but be sure to keep the soil from becoming completely dry.
Fertilization
Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. benefits from an annual application of slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just as the plant begins to produce new growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
If you notice the plant showing signs of nutrient deficiencies like yellowing leaves, you can mix a balanced fertilizer into the soil at any time of the year.
Pruning
Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. needs occasional pruning to keep it in shape and enhance its growth and flowering. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring, when it is dormant.
Cut back any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to their point of origin. Trim the remaining branches to the desired shape and size. You can rejuvenate an old, overgrown plant by cutting it back to 6 inches above the ground.
Propagation of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg.
Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. can be propagated through seed germination or vegetative propagation methods like cuttings and layering.
Seed Germination
The seeds of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. can be collected from mature fruit, which ripens during the fall season. The collected seeds should be dry cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until the next spring.
To enhance the germination rate, the seeds can be stratified for about 2-3 months before sowing by placing them in a refrigerator or similar cold environment. After stratification, seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix or soil, preferably with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1-2 cm and keep them moist and warm to promote germination.
The seeds of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. may have low germination rates, so it is advisable to sow more seeds to ensure the establishment of a sufficient number of healthy plants.
Cuttings
Cuttings are a common method of vegetative propagation for Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. Choosing healthy stem cuttings with no signs of diseases or pests is important for the propagation success.
The best time to take stem cuttings is during the summer season when the plants are actively growing. Cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and consist of semi-hardwood stem tips. Before planting, cut the leaves from the lower half of the stem and apply a rooting hormone to the cut ends.
Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and insert the cuttings into it. A mini-greenhouse can be created to keep cuttings humid, in a shaded spot with good ventilation. In about two to four weeks, some roots will start to form, and it is possible to transplant the new plants into their individual pots.
Layering
Layering is another vegetative propagation method used to propagate Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. It intersects itself by ground-level branches from a mature tree. A small area of the bark on the underside of the branch is removed, and the branch is pinned to the ground with a wire or stake. A small amount of soil can be placed on top to encourage root formation where it touches the ground. Once the layering has rooted, it can be cut from the mother tree and transplanted to another location.
Disease Management
Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg. is susceptible to several diseases that can significantly harm the plant. The following are some of the most common diseases that affect Celtis iguanaea:
- Leaf spot diseases: These diseases cause circular or irregular brown to black spots on the leaves. To manage these diseases, remove and destroy infected leaves and maintain proper sanitation practices.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that can damage the plant's roots, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage root rots, avoid overwatering and make sure the plant is planted in well-draining soil.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes white or gray powdery patches on the foliage. To manage this disease, apply fungicides and prune infected leaves and branches.
- Cankers: These are sunken, discolored areas on the branches. To manage cankers, remove and destroy infected branches and maintain proper sanitation practices.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the foliage. To manage this disease, apply fungicides and prune infected leaves and branches.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can infest Celtis iguanaea and cause damage to the plant. Some of the most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These pests are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing distortion of the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, apply insecticidal soap or oil.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the branches and leaves of the plant. They suck the sap of the plant, leading to yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, apply horticultural oil.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the foliage of the plant, causing yellowing and browning of leaves. To manage spider mites, apply insecticidal soap or oil.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, apply insecticidal soap or oil.
It is important to regularly inspect Celtis iguanaea for any signs of pests or diseases and take prompt action to manage them. In addition, maintaining proper sanitation practices, such as removing and destroying infected plant parts, can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
