Overview
The Celtis prantlii Priemer ex Engl., commonly known as the Mexican hackberry, is a small to medium-sized tree found in Mexico, specifically in the states of Aguascalientes, Durango, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas. This plant belongs to the family Cannabaceae and is a member of the Celtis genus, which includes around 60 species of deciduous trees that are widely distributed throughout the world.
Appearance
The Mexican hackberry can grow up to 20 m tall and has a rounded to irregular crown that can reach 8 to 12 m in diameter. The trunk has a diameter of up to 80 cm and has a bark that is grey, smooth, and furrowed. The leaves of the Mexican hackberry are simple, alternate, and vary between 7.5-15cm long by 4-7cm wide. The shape of the leaves is ovate to elliptic-ovate, and they have serrate margins. The petioles are short, usually up to 6mm long, and the leaf blade has a shiny upper surface and is pubescent beneath. The flowers produced by the Mexican hackberry are tiny and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a small, dark-purple drupe with a diameter of around 6mm.
Uses
The Mexican hackberry is used in traditional medicine and is known to have several therapeutic properties. The plant's bark and leaves are used to prepare infusions and decoctions that are used to treat respiratory and digestive problems. The leaves of the Mexican hackberry may be used as a substitute for tobacco, as it is believed to have similar effects, and it is smoked in specific areas where it grows. The plant's fruit is also edible and is consumed by birds and other animals. The Mexican hackberry can also be used in urban forestry as an ornamental plant and to rehabilitate degraded soils thanks to its nitrogen-fixing properties.
Light Requirements
Celtis prantlii Priemer ex Engl. can grow in full sun or partial shade. It generally prefers bright sunlight but can tolerate some shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can thrive in a variety of temperature conditions, but it typically prefers warm temperatures. The recommended temperature range for Celtis prantlii Priemer ex Engl. is between 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F).
Soil Requirements
Celtis prantlii Priemer ex Engl. can grow in a variety of soils, including clay, loam, and sand. However, it prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It also prefers soils that are rich in organic matter.
Cultivation Methods of Celtis prantlii
Celtis prantlii Priemer ex Engl. is a deciduous tree that grows well in warm climates. It requires full sunlight exposure to thrive and is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. The tree is tolerant of drought conditions, making it an excellent choice for arid regions.
Watering Needs of Celtis prantlii
Watering Celtis prantlii is the most crucial aspect of its care routine. It is essential to give the plant plenty of water during the first growing season, as this helps it establish a robust root system. Once established, the plant needs little watering, except during prolonged dry spells. It can withstand drought well, but in such a condition, it may shed its leaves to preserve water.
Fertilization of Celtis prantlii
Although Celtis prantlii is a hardy plant, it benefits from regular fertilization. The best time to apply fertilizers is during the early spring before the buds emerge. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer, which gives the plant the necessary nutrients over an extended period. Avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers as they can cause excessive growth and make the tree more vulnerable to diseases.
Pruning Celtis prantlii
Celtis prantlii requires minimal pruning, and it is best to avoid it if not necessary. However, if the tree becomes over-crowded or has broken or diseased branches, it's essential to trim them properly. Pruning should be done during the winter months when the tree is dormant. Use sterile pruning tools, and avoid cutting the limbs too close to the trunk, as this can damage the tree. Additionally, it is essential to prune back crossing branches since this can lead to rubbing, which damages the outside of the bark and opens a pathway for pests and diseases to enter the plant.
Propagation of Celtis prantlii Priemer ex Engl.
Celtis prantlii Priemer ex Engl. is a deciduous tree native to China that can grow up to 10 meters tall and 20 centimeters in diameter. It is a popular ornamental plant because of its attractive foliage, bark and fruit.
There are different methods to propagate Celtis prantlii including:
Propagation by Seed
Propagating Celtis prantlii by seed is the most common method. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruit in the autumn and sown soon after collection, or they can be stored in a dry and cool place for a few months before sowing. Before sowing, the seeds need to be scarified to break their dormancy. Scarification can involve mechanical scarification or soaking in hot water for 24 hours. After scarification, seeds can be sown in a well-drained seed-raising mix and kept in a warm and moist environment until germination, which usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Celtis prantlii can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken in the early summer from new growth, while hardwood cuttings are taken in the late winter or early spring from the previous season's growth. Cuttings should be about 10 to 15 centimeters long and should have a few sets of leaves. They should be dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into a well-drained rooting medium, such as sand or perlite. Cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright place until they root, which can take up to 8 weeks. Once rooted, they can be potted up in a well-drained potting mix and grown on until they are large enough to be planted out.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Celtis prantlii. This can be done in the spring or summer by bending a low-growing branch downwards to the soil and injuring the bark where it touches the soil. The injured area should be held in place with a stake and covered with soil. Roots will form at the injured area and when they are well-established, the rooted layer can be cut from the parent plant and planted elsewhere.
It is important to note that Celtis prantlii is a slow-growing tree, so propagation may take longer than other plant species. Patience and care are therefore required when propagating Celtis prantlii.
Disease Management
Celtis prantlii Priemer ex Engl. can be susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: a fungal disease that causes irregular, brown spots on leaves, stems, and fruit.
- Cedar-apple rust: a fungal disease that causes bright orange, gelatinous spots on leaves and fruits.
- Root rot: a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing discoloration, decay, and eventual death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, cultural practices such as proper sanitation and removal of infected plant parts can be effective. Fungicides can also be used but should be applied following label instructions. Preventive measures such as plant resistant varieties and proper plant spacing can also help avoid disease development.
Pest Management
Celtis prantlii Priemer ex Engl. can also be affected by various pests, including:
- Aphids: small insects that suck sap from young leaves and shoots, causing wilting and curling.
- Mites: tiny arachnids that cause yellowing, stippling, and webbing on the leaves.
- Caterpillars: larvae of moths or butterflies that can cause defoliation and damage to plant structures.
To manage these pests, cultural practices such as hand-picking or spraying water can be helpful. Insecticides may also be used, but caution must be taken as they may harm beneficial insects as well. Introducing predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help regulate pest populations.
