Net-veined sugarberry
Celtis laevigata var. reticulata
A rugged deciduous tree known as the netleaf hackberry, featuring heavily veined leaves and warty …
Sugarberry Texan (Celtis laevigata var. texana)
Texan sugarberry
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
/ License
Celtis laevigata var. texana: Morphology and Ecology
Occupying a transitional ecological niche in the south-central United States, this distinct variety bridges the morphological gap between lowland and desert hackberries. It colonizes a broad spectrum of habitats, ranging from limestone outcrops to the edges of ephemeral streams. The foliage presents subtle intermediate traits, adapting seamlessly to regional climatic fluctuations.
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 laevigata (Smooth-leaved hackberry)
- ∟ variety Celtis laevigata var. texana (Sugarberry Texan)
Morphology
Foliage is generally smaller than the nominate variety, with a somewhat rougher texture but lacking the extreme reticulation of the netleaf hackberry. Young twigs and branchlets frequently display a fine, downy pubescence. The ovate leaves often feature asymmetrical bases and sharply acuminate tips.
Flowering season
Spring
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec
Applications
Conservationists utilize it for afforestation projects in regions with unpredictable rainfall patterns. The dense crown provides substantial thermal cover for wildlife during both scorching summer days and winter cold snaps. It is occasionally cultivated as a hardy, low-maintenance shade tree in urban environments within its native range.
Interesting facts
Its geographic distribution acts as an evolutionary laboratory, highlighting the species' remarkable phenotypic plasticity. The sweet drupes persist on the branches well into winter, serving as a critical emergency food source for overwintering songbirds. Historical records indicate the bark was sometimes boiled by early settlers to create a mild astringent wash.
Geography of distribution
- United States
- Mexico
Sources
- Plants of the World Online (POWO)
- World Flora Online (WFO)
Смотрите также
Bitterwood Tree
Picrasma
A genus of deciduous trees and shrubs known for their extremely bitter bark and medicinal …
Read more →
480
Humboldt Araucaria Pine
Araucaria humboldtensis
A small, critically endangered coniferous tree native strictly to the high-altitude mountain peaks of southern …
Read more →
126
True Araucarias
Araucaria sect. Araucaria
Araucaria sect. Araucaria is a botanical section of evergreen conifers native to South America. It …
Read more →
124