Overview of Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch.
Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. is a deciduous tree belonging to the Cannabaceae family. It is commonly found in the southwestern region of the United States, including Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The tree has several common names, including the Netleaf hackberry, Tala hackberry, Sugar hackberry, and Palo blanco.
Appearance of Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch.
The Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. tree can grow up to 30 feet in height and 20 feet in width. It has a slender trunk with light gray bark that is smooth in younger trees and turns rougher as the tree matures. The leaves are oval-shaped and glossy green, with serrated edges. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that develop into small, orange-red berries.
Uses of Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch.
The Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. tree has several practical uses. The berries produced by the tree are eaten by various wildlife species, including birds, squirrels, and raccoons. The wood of the tree is commonly used for making furniture, handles, tool parts, and flooring. Native American tribes used the plant bark for medicinal purposes, including treating coughs, dysentery, and other ailments. The tree is also used for ornamental purposes in gardens and parks due to its attractive appearance and drought tolerance.
Light Requirements
The Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. prefers full sun to partial shade for its growth. The plant cannot thrive in complete shade and requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight every day. It is best to plant the species in an open area where it can access enough sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. is best suited for warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost. The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8a to 11b, where the temperatures range from 10°C to 35°C. In regions with cold temperatures, it may go dormant during winter and resume growth in spring.
Soil Requirements
The Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. requires well-draining soil and can adapt to different soil types, including loam, sandy, and clayey soils. The plant can tolerate soils with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as the plant is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.
Cultivation
Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. can be cultivated in most types of soil, but it prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate damp soil, but it cannot withstand flooding. The plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, and it can tolerate temperatures ranging from -10°C to 45°C.
Watering Needs
Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. requires moderate watering, and it can tolerate short periods of drought. It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. During the growing season, water the plant when the topsoil becomes dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. does not require frequent fertilization. However, to promote healthy growth, feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a year before the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer to prevent over-fertilization.
Pruning
Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. requires minimal pruning. Prune the plant in early spring to remove any damaged or diseased branches. You can also prune the plant to maintain its shape and size. Cut back branches to a bud or a branch junction, and use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagating Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch.
Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch., commonly known as the White Nettle Tree or Tala, is a tree species endemic to Argentina and Uruguay. It is a slow-growing and long-lived tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height. Propagating this plant can be done through different methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is one of the most common ways to produce Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. seedlings. The seeds have a hard coat, which needs to be scarified before sowing to break dormancy and promote germination. Scarification can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for 24 hours, or by manually breaking or sanding the seed coat.
Once the seeds are scarified, they can be sown in a well-drained substrate in seedling trays or pots. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of substrate, and the containers should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The optimal germination temperature for Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. is between 20°C and 25°C, and germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another way to propagate Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. This method involves using vegetative parts of the plant to produce new plants. There are several ways to propagate Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. vegetatively, including:
- Cuttings: Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy, mature trees during the dormant season. The cuttings should be 20-30 cm long and should have at least two nodes. They should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained substrate. The plants should be kept in a shaded area and should be regularly watered until they have established roots.
- Layering: Layering involves selecting a low branch of the tree and bending it down to the ground. The branch can be wounded where it touches the ground and then covered with soil. After a few months, the branch should have formed roots, and it can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted.
- Grafting: Grafting involves taking a small section of a tree with desirable traits (the scion) and attaching it to a compatible rootstock. This method is commonly used in commercial nurseries to propagate Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. because it allows for the production of large numbers of plants that are genetically identical to the parent tree.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. requires moderate watering and should be kept in a shaded area until the new plant has established roots and can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Disease Management
Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. is generally a healthy plant. However, it is prone to some diseases, which can affect its growth and yield. The most common diseases that affect Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. are:
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Symptoms include a white powdery coating on the plants' leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper ventilation and avoid overcrowding of plants. Prune affected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Phyllosticta celtidism. Symptoms include round spots with a yellow halo on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, prune affected areas, remove debris around the plants, and apply a fungicide before the rainy season.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include irregular, brown spots on the leaves, twigs, and fruits. To manage anthracnose, prune the infected areas, remove debris around the plants, and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. is also prone to some pests that can damage the plant, reduce yield, and lower plant quality. The most common pests that affect Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. are:
- Elongate twig ant: This pest feeds on the leaves and fruits of Celtis tala Gillies var. pallida (Torr.) Planch. It can cause defoliation and a decline in plant growth. To manage elongate twig ants, apply a slow-acting pesticide around the plant's base.
- Fruit flies: This pest feeds on the plant's fruits, making them unmarketable. To manage fruit flies, use pheromone traps to reduce their population, and apply a pesticide that is specifically labeled for use on fruit trees.
- Scale insects: This pest feeds on the plant's leaves and twigs, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Scale insects are difficult to manage, and it is recommended to use a systemic insecticide or apply insecticidal soap regularly.
Regular monitoring of the plants is the best way to spot pest and disease problems early. Always follow the recommended dosage and application method indicated on the label when using pesticides and fungicides.
