African open-country hackberry (Celtis integrifolia)

African hackberry Nettle tree
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Celtis integrifolia (African Hackberry): Morphology and Uses

Recognized widely across the Sahel and Sudanian savanna regions, Celtis integrifolia thrives as a resilient deciduous tree. The species features distinctive entire leaves, which sets it apart from many other hackberries that typically possess serrated margins.

Local populations have long utilized various parts of the tree, integrating it into traditional practices and regional ecosystems. It demonstrates a remarkable capacity to adapt to semi-arid 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 integrifolia (African open-country hackberry)

Living Pulse

Powered by iNaturalist

Morphology

This medium-to-large tree develops a broad crown and smooth, light-colored bark. The leaves are typically ovate to lanceolate with notably entire margins, serving as a key identifier for the species.

Reproductive structures include small, wind-pollinated flowers that eventually develop into globose, fleshy drupes. These fruits provide an essential food source for various local bird and mammal populations.

Applications

The tree provides multiple economic and ecological benefits within its native range:

  • Fodder: The foliage holds significant nutritional value for livestock during dry seasons.
  • Culinary use: Young, tender leaves are occasionally incorporated into traditional local diets.
  • Environmental role: Its broad canopy offers essential shade and helps stabilize soils in fragile savanna ecosystems.

Interesting facts

Botanists and ecologists frequently highlight several notable traits of this species:

  • The specific epithet integrifolia directly references the unusually smooth, untoothed edges of its leaves.
  • The tree exhibits exceptional drought tolerance, allowing it to survive in regions experiencing prolonged dry periods.

Geography of distribution

  • Senegal
  • Mali
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • Sudan

Sources

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

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Смотрите также

Orange hackberry

Orange hackberry

Celtis aurantiaca

A deciduous tree species native to Korea, recognized by its large leaves with caudate-acuminate tips …

Read more →