Overview
Celtis scottelioides A.Chev. is a small deciduous tree native to West and Central Africa. It belongs to the family Cannabaceae, commonly known as the Hackberry family.
Common Names
Celtis scottelioides A.Chev. goes by many common names such as African hackberry, Munyaga, Osese, and Gomberos.
Uses
The tree is often used for fuel due to its dense and durable wood. It also has medicinal properties. The leaves are used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments including stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. In addition, the bark is used to treat dysentery, bronchitis, and sore throats.
General Appearance
Celtis scottelioides A.Chev. is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. The tree has an irregular crown and rough, greyish-brown bark. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate. They have a pointed apex and are slightly serrated at the margins. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a small, dark purple drupe that ripens in the fall.
Light Requirements
C. scottelioides is a plant that grows best in full sun to partial shading. A minimum of four hours of direct sunlight per day is required for optimal growth. When grown in shaded areas, the plant may produce long, leggy stems.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for C. scottelioides is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). Plants grown in temperatures outside this range may exhibit stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and wilting.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, loamy soil, but can tolerate other soil types such as clay or sandy soils. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of approximately 6.0-7.5. Soil rich in organic matter is beneficial for optimal growth.
Cultivation methods
Celtis scottelioides A.Chev. is a hardy plant that thrives in well-drained soils with moderate moisture. It prefers sunny locations but can also tolerate partial shade. The plant can propagate through seeds, cuttings, and grafting. When planting, make sure that the root ball is slightly beneath the soil level to prevent drying out.
Watering needs
Providing sufficient moisture is essential for the healthy growth of Celtis scottelioides A.Chev. The plant should be watered twice or thrice a week in the first growing season and once per week in the subsequent seasons. This frequency should be adjusted regarding weather conditions because too much moisture can lead to root rot, while a lack of water can cause wilting, stunted growth, and leaf drop.
Fertilization
The application of a balanced fertilizer can provide Celtis scottelioides A.Chev. with the necessary nutrients and promote its healthy growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer in the early growing season, and repeat the fertilizer application after six weeks. Avoid the application of fertilizer in the dormant period because it may lead to an excess of nutrients in the soil, which is harmful to Celtis scottelioides A.Chev.
Pruning
To maintain the desired shape and size of Celtis scottelioides A.Chev., regular pruning is necessary. Prune during the dormant period, typically during late winter or early spring, and remove the dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You should also remove the water sprouts and suckers that grow from the base of the plant. Prune the plant in moderation to avoid harming the healthy branches and to promote proper growth.
Propagation of Celtis scottelioides A.Chev.
Celtis scottelioides A.Chev., commonly known as white stinkwood, is a tree species that is native to southern Africa. The plant is known for its beautiful white flowers, which bloom in late winter or early spring. If you are interested in propagating white stinkwood trees, there are a few different methods that you can try.
Seed propagation
One way to propagate Celtis scottelioides A.Chev. is by collecting and planting seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature trees in the fall and then sown in pots or directly in the ground. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1 inch and kept moist until they germinate. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Cuttings propagation
Another method for propagating Celtis scottelioides A.Chev. is by taking cuttings. This involves snipping off a piece of the tree and then planting it in a pot or directly in the ground. Cuttings should be taken in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. They should be about 6 inches long and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a bright, but not direct sun environment.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Celtis scottelioides A.Chev. This involves wounding a branch and then wrapping it with a rooting hormone and soil mixture. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut off and planted in its own pot or in the ground. This method can take several months to produce roots, but is a viable option for propagating white stinkwood trees.
Disease and Pest Management for Celtis scottelioides A.Chev.
Celtis scottelioides A.Chev., commonly known as African nettle tree, can be vulnerable to various diseases and pests. In this section, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots and defoliation, which can weaken the plant. To manage anthracnose, prune infected branches and dispose of them. Use fungicides to treat the plant to prevent further spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected branches and dispose of them. Use fungicides to treat the plant to prevent further spread of the disease. Increase air movement around the plant to prevent moisture buildup on the leaves.
Root rot: This fungal disease can cause the roots to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Use fungicides to treat the plant to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pests
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing in severe cases. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant to discourage their growth. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant and prevent further infestation.
Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can cause curling of the leaves and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant and prevent further infestation.
Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and defoliation of the leaves. To manage scale insects, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant and prevent further infestation. You can also use a soft-bristle brush to remove the scales from the leaves.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help detect any disease or pest infestations early on. Proper cultural practices such as maintaining good soil health and providing adequate water and fertilization can also improve the overall health of the plant and reduce the likelihood of disease and pest problems.
