Luzon hackberry (Celtis luzonica)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Celtis luzonica: Endemic Tree of the Philippines

The tropical landscapes of Southeast Asia host Celtis luzonica, a critically monitored woody species within the Cannabaceae family. First described by German botanist Otto Warburg in 1905, this tree is primarily endemic to the Philippine archipelago. Documented populations are scattered across Luzon, Mindoro, Samar, and Mindanao, with highly restricted occurrences in Taiwan.

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 luzonica (Luzon hackberry)

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Morphology

Celtis luzonica is distinguished by dense, coriaceous leaves with three distinct basal veins. The leaf margin can be entire or slightly dentate. The tree forms a branched canopy. The flowers are apetalous and wind-pollinated. The fruit is a small spherical drupe, typical for members of the Cannabaceae family.

Interesting facts

The specific epithet luzonica directly references the island of Luzon, where the type specimen was collected. The species faces severe ecological pressures across its natural habitat.

Primary threats to the population include:

  • Continuous habitat loss driven by expanding agricultural activities.
  • Deforestation and rapid urban development across its native range.

Geography of distribution

  • Philippines
  • Taiwan

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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