Brazilian hackberry
Celtis brasiliensis
A deciduous tree or scrambling shrub in the Cannabaceae family, native to various countries in …
Willdenow's hackberry (Celtis willdenowiana)
Chinese hackberry
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey
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Celtis willdenowiana (Chinese Hackberry): Botanical Profile and Ecology
Widely appreciated for its expansive canopy and remarkable environmental tolerance, Celtis willdenowiana naturally inhabits slopes, valleys, and riverbanks across East Asia. It exhibits a vigorous growth rate in its youth, rapidly establishing a dominant presence within broadleaf deciduous forests. The intricate network of its roots actively prevents soil erosion along steep inclinations, cementing its role as a vital ecological anchor.
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 willdenowiana (Willdenow's hackberry)
Morphology
This prominent deciduous tree forms a majestic, wide-spreading crown capable of reaching significant heights. The trunk is enveloped in smooth, light gray bark that occasionally develops mild undulations or corky textures over decades.
Its ovate to broadly ovate leaves display a distinctly asymmetrical base and prominently serrate upper margins. The foliage boasts a vibrant green hue during the summer, transitioning to a rich, golden-yellow in the fall. Following the emergence of subtle, wind-pollinated blooms, the tree bears small, fleshy drupes that ripen to an attractive dark orange or reddish-brown color.
Flowering season
Early Spring
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec
Applications
Renowned for its aesthetic appeal, the tree is heavily utilized in traditional landscape architecture and is a highly sought-after species for classical bonsai cultivation. The dense wood is occasionally harvested for specialty woodworking and local construction.
In regional herbal traditions, the bark and roots have been collected for various botanical preparations. Furthermore, the sweet, edible fruits are frequently foraged by local communities and sustain diverse bird populations.
Interesting facts
It frequently serves as an indispensable host plant for the larval stages of numerous butterfly species, including the striking Emperor butterflies. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to overcome natural dormancy and successfully germinate.
Its robust constitution allows it to withstand severe wind events, making it a reliable component of protective windbreak plantings in agricultural regions.
Geography of distribution
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
Sources
- POWO (Plants of the World Online)
- Tropicos
- GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
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