False white stinkwood (Celtis durandii)

Celtis durandii: Morphology, Habitat and Botanical Profile

Celtis durandii forms an integral part of various forest ecosystems across the African continent and Madagascar. As a prominent member of the Cannabaceae family, it exhibits the robust growth patterns characteristic of the hackberry genus.

The species was initially formally described by the renowned botanist Adolf Engler. It is widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa, where it adapts to a variety of tropical and subtropical environments.

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 durandii (False white stinkwood)

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Morphology

The physical structure of Celtis durandii features a well-developed trunk and a broadly spreading canopy. The bark often displays varying textures depending on the age of the specimen and its specific environmental conditions.

Its leaves follow the typical pattern for the genus, being simple and alternately arranged along the stems. The characteristic asymmetrical leaf base serves as a helpful trait for field identification.

It produces small, discrete flowers that are primarily wind-pollinated. These eventually develop into spherical drupes that serve as an important food source for local bird and mammal populations.

Applications

Within its native range, Celtis durandii is primarily valued for its outstanding ecological contributions. It provides essential shade, nesting sites, and crucial food resources for a diverse array of wildlife.

In some local regions, the wood of native Celtis species is utilized for basic construction or as a fuel source. However, commercial timber exploitation of this specific tree remains limited.

Interesting facts

Taxonomic research often links Celtis durandii closely with Celtis gomphophylla, with some botanical authorities treating them as part of the same complex or as synonyms.

Its extensive geographic range is highly notable, spanning from West Africa all the way to Southern Africa, and extending across the Mozambique Channel to Madagascar.

Geography of distribution

  • Madagascar
  • Ivory Coast
  • Ghana
  • Nigeria
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Congo
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Ethiopia
  • South Sudan
  • Uganda
  • Kenya
  • Tanzania
  • Zambia
  • Malawi
  • Zimbabwe
  • Mozambique
  • South Africa
  • Angola
  • Equatorial Guinea

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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