Fiji hackberry (Celtis vitiensis)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Celtis vitiensis: Botanical Profile and Taxonomy

Native to the South Pacific, Celtis vitiensis thrives as a robust tree within the diverse island ecology. Classified within the family Cannabaceae, this plant exhibits a restricted island endemism compared to its more widely distributed relatives. It plays an important ecological role in the local tropical habitats of the region.

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 vitiensis (Fiji hackberry)

Living Pulse

Powered by iNaturalist

Morphology

The plant typically develops a woody trunk and a branching canopy adapted to tropical climates. Its foliage consists of simple, alternately arranged leaves with prominent venation. The fruit is a small drupe, which serves as a vital food source for local frugivorous bird species.

Interesting facts

The specific epithet vitiensis is a geographical reference to Fiji (Viti), indicating the primary region where the type specimen was collected and documented by early botanists.

Geography of distribution

  • Fiji
  • Tonga

Sources

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

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

Смотрите также

Orange hackberry

Orange hackberry

Celtis aurantiaca

A deciduous tree species native to Korea, recognized by its large leaves with caudate-acuminate tips …

Read more →