Tailed hackberry (Celtis caudata)

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Celtis caudata: Distribution and Morphology

Extensive populations of Celtis caudata stretch across the diverse landscapes of Mexico and Central America. The tree integrates seamlessly into varied forest communities from the northern Mexican states down to Nicaragua. French botanist Jules Émile Planchon first documented the species in 1848, examining type specimens collected from the Zimapan region.

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 caudata (Tailed hackberry)

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Morphology

The specific epithet caudata references the distinct "tailed" or acuminate tips of the leaves, serving as a primary diagnostic feature for field identification. The tree develops a robust trunk supporting a spreading canopy. The foliage is alternate, exhibiting the signature asymmetrical leaf bases characteristic of the genus.

Interesting facts

Taxonomic history reveals several synonyms for this plant, notably Celtis littoralis and Celtis riparia, which were proposed by Frederik Liebmann in 1851. The scientific literature also records illegitimate homonyms applied to entirely different species within the Rosaceae and Cannabaceae families, underscoring the complexities of botanical nomenclature.

Geography of distribution

  • Mexico
  • Guatemala
  • Nicaragua

Sources

  • Kew Science Plants of the World Online
  • Tropicos (Missouri Botanical Garden)
  • Catalogue of Life

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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