Tournefort's hackberry roughest (Celtis tournefortii subsp. asperrima)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Celtis tournefortii subsp. asperrima: Habitat and Botanical Traits

Characterized by exceptionally rough-textured leaves, this drought-tolerant subspecies has adapted to thrive in rocky slopes and dry woodland edges. It demonstrates remarkable resilience against arid conditions and intense sun exposure throughout its native range.

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 tournefortii (Tournefort's hackberry)
  • ∟ subspecies Celtis tournefortii subsp. asperrima (Tournefort's hackberry roughest)

Living Pulse

Powered by iNaturalist

Morphology

The botanical epithet asperrima highlights the harsh, scabrous surface of the foliage, which is densely covered in minute, stiff hairs. These leaves are relatively small, ovate, and feature prominent serrated margins along their upper halves.

General growth habits include:

  • Development as a large shrub or small to medium-sized tree.
  • An intricately branched, dense canopy adapted to minimize wind impact and moisture loss.
  • Production of globose drupes that transition from green to a yellowish-brown or reddish hue upon ripening.

Applications

Due to its high drought tolerance, the plant plays a vital ecological role in preventing soil degradation across arid, rocky landscapes. The foliage occasionally serves as emergency forage for local wildlife during periods of scarce vegetation.

Interesting facts

The morphological adaptation of having extremely rough leaves actively helps the plant reduce water loss through transpiration, serving as a crucial survival mechanism. The primary species is named in part after the renowned French botanist Joseph Pitton de Tournefort.

Geography of distribution

  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Turkey

Sources

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

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Смотрите также