Swartz's Hackberry (Celtis swartzii)

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Celtis swartzii: Species Profile and Botanical Details

Adding to the biodiversity of its native range, Celtis swartzii is a resilient woody species adapted to neotropical ecosystems. The botanical name honors Olof Swartz, a prominent botanist known for his extensive studies of the Caribbean flora. This indicates that the species is naturally suited to warm, tropical, or subtropical forest environments.

Like other hackberries, it forms a vital part of the ecological web, providing structural complexity to the forest canopy and valuable resources for local fauna.

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 swartzii (Swartz's Hackberry)

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Morphology

The tree develops a robust trunk with bark that may exhibit the corky ridges or warts typical of many Celtis species. The leaves are simple, arranged alternately along the stems, and generally feature an asymmetrical base with prominent primary veins.

Its fruiting bodies are small, globose drupes. These fruits change color as they mature and consist of a thin, fleshy exterior covering a highly calcified endocarp.

Interesting facts

  • The calcified stones (endocarps) of Celtis fruits are highly durable and are frequently preserved in the fossil record.
  • Species in this genus are often recognized by their distinctive foliage shape, an important diagnostic feature for field identification.

Geography of distribution

  • Guatemala
  • Puerto Rico
  • Cayman Islands
  • Colombia
  • U.S. Virgin Islands

Sources

  • Plants of the World Online (POWO)
  • World Flora Online (WFO)
  • Tropicos

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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