Three-nerved hackberry (Celtis trinervia)

guanasa guasiriano hueso ramón de costa ramón de sierra
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Celtis trinervia: Botanical Characteristics and Habitat

Within the diverse Cannabaceae family, Celtis trinervia stands out as a distinctive tree species native to the Americas. It is widely distributed across Central America and the Caribbean, typically thriving in highly humid forest environments. Local populations often refer to this plant by vernacular names such as guanasa, guasiriano, or hueso.

First described by the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, this botanical taxon is well-adapted to tropical climates. It is frequently observed growing naturally on limestone outcrops and other specialized ecological niches.

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 trinervia (Three-nerved hackberry)

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Morphology

Trees of this species can attain heights of 10 to 15 meters, featuring a distinct, smooth gray bark. The foliage consists of narrowly ovate-lanceolate leaves that measure between 4 and 13 centimeters in length, characterized by a long acuminate apex and serrated margins.

The reproductive structures are organized in cymose inflorescences, bearing both staminate and perfect flowers. The resulting fruit is a subglobose drupe, approximately 8 to 10 millimeters in diameter, which matures to a dark purple-black hue.

Flowering season

June

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Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec

Interesting facts

  • The specific epithet trinervia refers to the three distinct veins running through the leaves.
  • This species is known to naturally colonize limestone outcrops within humid tropical forests.
  • In scientific nomenclature, it shares its taxonomic family with better-known genera such as Cannabis and Humulus.

Geography of distribution

  • Mexico
  • Belize
  • Guatemala
  • Nicaragua
  • Cayman Islands
  • Cuba
  • Dominican Republic
  • Haiti
  • Jamaica
  • Puerto Rico
  • Virgin Islands, U.S.
  • Colombia

Sources

  • GBIF
  • POWO
  • Tropicos
  • WFO

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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