Barbour's hackberry (Celtis barbouri)

Hackberry Hackberries & Nettle Trees
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Celtis barbouri: Fossil Hackberry Species from Pleistocene China

The ancient landscapes of Pleistocene China were home to a notable prehistoric tree known scientifically as Celtis barbouri. First described by paleontologist Ralph W. Chaney in 1927, this extinct plant thrived in regions where modern relatives like Celtis sinensis and Celtis bungeana grow today. The earliest known fossilized seeds of this tree were recovered by George B. Barbour in 1924, providing a valuable botanical glimpse into the paleoenvironment of East Asia.

Taxonomy

  • ∟ царство Plantae
  • ∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • ∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • ∟ Angiosperms
  • ∟ mesangiosperms
  • ∟ eudicots
  • ∟ Superrosids
  • ∟ rosids
  • ∟ order Rosales
  • ∟ family Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
  • ∟ genus Celtis (Hackberry)
  • ∟ species Celtis barbouri (Barbour's hackberry)

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Morphology

Because this species is entirely prehistoric, the physical characteristics of Celtis barbouri are deduced exclusively from fossilized seeds. These well-preserved endocarps exhibit the hard, durable structure typical of the Celtis genus. While the complete foliage and stature of the living tree cannot be observed directly, paleontological evidence suggests it possessed a growth habit similar to contemporary fruit-bearing hackberries.

Interesting facts

A remarkable paleobotanical discovery occurred when partially burned seeds of Celtis barbouri were found alongside the remains of Homo erectus in the famous Zhoukoudian caves. Dating back between 250,000 and 500,000 years, these charred fossils have sparked considerable scientific discussion. Researchers continue to debate whether these early hominids intentionally collected, cooked, and consumed the hackberry fruits, or if the seeds were burned by natural fires.

Geography of distribution

  • China

Sources

  • GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
  • Chaney, R.W. (1927). Hackberry seeds from the Pleistocene loess of northern China.
  • Barbour, G.B. (1930). The Loess Problem of China.

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF

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