Timor hackberry (Celtis timorensis)

Stinkwood Stinking wood Gurenda

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Celtis timorensis (Stinkwood): Morphology, Distribution, and Ecology

Deep within the tropical rainforests of Asia, Celtis timorensis commands attention not just through its impressive stature, but due to a highly distinct olfactory signature. This robust member of the Cannabaceae family can reach up to 25 meters in height and forms an integral part of the primary forest canopy in numerous Southeast Asian and South Asian ecosystems. Its most remarkable trait is the strong, excrement-like odor released by its bark and sap, caused by the presence of the organic compound skatole.

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 timorensis (Timor hackberry)

Morphology

The foliage consists of strongly 3-veined leaves that grow 5 to 13 centimeters in length, exhibiting an oblate to oblong shape. While these leaves bear a striking resemblance to species in the genus Cinnamomum, they are easily distinguished by their distinctly serrated margins.

The reproductive structures vary by sex, presenting the following features:

Male flowers: Arranged in short, greenish racemose cymes.
Female flowers: Forming more slender axillary or terminal cymes.

Following pollination, the tree develops pear-shaped, prominently beaked drupes. Each fruit encloses a seed protected by a hard, durable endocarp measuring 7 to 11 millimeters long, specifically adapted for water dispersal in its native tropical habitat.

Applications

In Sri Lanka, the heartwood of the tree, locally known as gurenda, is utilized in traditional Ayurvedic practices. Across various local cultures, extracts and wood derivatives have historically been employed in folk medicine.

Traditional uses primarily involve:

Alleviating symptoms of various ailments through medicinal infusions.
Serving as a highly specialized traditional remedy despite its pungent scent.

The potent skatole-derived odor generally limits its use as a standard timber resource for construction or furniture.

Interesting facts

According to Thai folklore, the legendary King Phra Ruang of the Sukhothai dynasty supposedly used the leaves of this tree, embedding its pungent aroma into local legend. The tree's distinct smell permeates the surrounding forest air wherever it grows abundantly.

Fascinating ecological details include:

The presence of skatole, an organic compound responsible for the excrement-like odor.
A surprisingly isolated population on Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.
Forming approximately 1% of the primary rainforest canopy in its restricted island habitats.

Geography of distribution

India
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Vietnam
Laos
China
Malaysia
Philippines
Indonesia
Christmas Island
Australia

Sources

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

Technical Information

Taxon Synonyms: Celtis dysodoxylon, Celtis waitzii, Celtis hamata, Celtis reticulosa

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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Timor hackberry (Celtis timorensis)