Overview
Celtis zenkeri Engl., also known as West African hackberry, is a species of tree belonging to the Cannabaceae family. It is a dioecious tree that can be found in western and central Africa. The plant is known for its various uses and appealing appearance.
Appearance
The West African hackberry tree can grow up to 20 meters high. It has a spreading crown with a thick grey bark. The leaves are oval or elliptical in shape, measuring 6-12 cm in length and 4-7 cm in width. They have finely serrated margins and a pointed tip. The color of the leaves ranges from dark green to greyish-green with a lighter underside. The flowers of the tree are small and inconspicuous, appearing in the spring. The fruit is a small, round drupe that turns from green to yellow as it matures.
Common Names
Celtis zenkeri Engl. is commonly known as West African hackberry, African hackberry, and djansang.
Uses
The West African hackberry tree has various uses in traditional medicine across Africa, where it is used for treatment against malaria and other infections. The fruit of the tree is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. It is also used to make drinks and jams. The bark, leaves, and roots of the tree are used for tanning leather. The wood is used to create various items such as furniture, tools, and fuel. The tree is also cultivated as an ornamental plant and for its potential use in reforestation projects.
Light Requirements
Celtis zenkeri Engl. requires a significant amount of sunlight to thrive. It typically grows best in bright, indirect light or partial shade. It can survive in full sun, but it needs protection from hot afternoon sun in warmer climates. If grown indoors, it should be placed in a bright location near a sunny window.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can survive in a range of temperatures, but it prefers warmer temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F but may experience slowed growth. Extreme heat and cold should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Celtis zenkeri Engl. can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-draining loamy soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. It can tolerate clay soils but may experience stunted growth. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the plant should be watered regularly. Fertilizer can be added periodically to promote growth.
Cultivation
Celtis zenkeri Engl. can be easily cultivated both outdoors and indoors. The plant prefers a well-draining soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade environments. It's recommended to propagate the plant using seeds or stem cuttings during the spring or summer.
Watering Needs
The Celtis zenkeri Engl. plant requires moderate watering, which involves keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be allowed to dry partially between each watering session to prevent root rot. During the winter season, the plant should be watered sparingly.
Fertilization
Celtis zenkeri Engl. should be fertilized during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied every two weeks to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for growth. It's recommended to avoid over-fertilization, which can result in damage to the plant's root system.
Pruning
The Celtis zenkeri Engl. plant requires periodic pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning can be done during the spring season to remove any dead or diseased branches. It's recommended to make clean cuts using sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant. Heavy pruning should be avoided as it can cause stress to the plant.
Propagation of Celtis zenkeri Engl.
Celtis zenkeri Engl. can be propagated by both sexual and asexual means. The most common method of propagation is through seeds, while cuttings may also be taken as a faster and more reliable method.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is fairly easy, although germination rates may be slow and uneven. Seeds can be collected from the plant when they are fully mature and have turned brown. The seeds can then be cleaned and soaked in water for 24-48 hours before sowing.
Seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the ground. The soil should be moist and well-drained, with a pH of 6.0-7.5. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated, as excess moisture can cause rotting of the seeds. Germination may take between 3-6 weeks, but can sometimes take longer.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a faster and more reliable method of propagation. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and include at least two nodes.
The lower leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining rooting medium. The rooting medium should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in indirect light with temperatures between 65-75°F. Rooting should occur within 2-3 months, after which the cuttings can be planted in their permanent location.
Disease Management
Celtis zenkeri Engl. is generally a hardy plant species that is resistant to most diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can infect the plant, including:
- Leaf spot disease: This is a common fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It appears as small spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. You can also use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown or black blotches on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
There are a few pests that can infest Celtis zenkeri Engl., including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and deformed leaves. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water to knock them off the plant.
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off. To manage this pest, prune the affected plant parts and use a systemic insecticide.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the sap of the plant and cause the leaves to turn yellow and look dusty. To manage this pest, increase the humidity around the plant and use a miticide.
Regular monitoring of your Celtis zenkeri Engl. plant for any signs of diseases or pests is critical to ensuring its health and survival. Quick action is also key to preventing the spread of any disease or pest infestation.
