How do I grow Celtis Africana?
How do I grow Celtis Africana?
Celtis africana is easy to grow and is fast-growing. It is fairly drought resistant and can withstand frost. It does best in good, rich, deep soil with plenty of water in summer.
Is Celtis Africana Evergreen?
Celtis africana, the white stinkwood, is a deciduous tree in the family Cannabaceae.
How do you plant white stinkwood?
It requires little maintenance, is fast and easy to grow, and can be planted in full sun or semi-shade. It is ideal for areas with high summer rainfall and in hot dry regions requires watering during dry spells. The white stinkwood grows well at the coast and is also hardy to frost.
What is a stinkwood tree?
Ocotea bullata, (stinkwood or black stinkwood, Afrikaans: Stinkhout, Xhosa: Umhlungulu, Zulu: Umnukane) is a species of flowering tree native to South Africa. The name “stinkwood” comes from a strong smell that is released when it is fresh felled.
Why is it called a stinkwood?
The common name stinkwood is derived from the unpleasant smell of the freshly cut wood. This genus is represented by two species in southern Africa, O. bullata and O. kenyensis.
How do you identify stinkwood?
Today it is a protected species that may not be cut, disturbed, damaged or destroyed. The easiest way to identify a stinkwood is by the characteristic bumps (bullae) either side of the vein at the base of the leaves – if you can find any leaves in reach.
Why is the White Stinkwood tree an excellent choice to have in your creche’s garden?
In gardens, the deciduous tree is an excellent option for landscaping and provides generous shade in summer. White Stinkwoods are also fast-growing, can withstand frost, and is fairly drought resistant.
How fast does a white Stinkwood grow?
1 to 2 meters per year
If grown in good soil and watered sufficiently, the white stinkwood can grow 1 to 2 meters per year – contrary to the misconception that these are slow growers.
Why is it called stinkwood?
What does stink wood look like?
The common name “stinkwood” is derived from the offensive smell of the freshly cut wood. The heartwood is light to dark brown and the sapwood is greyish to yellowish-brown, not easily distinguishable from the heartwood. The darker striping makes it a very attractive timber.
Are there any Celtis trees in southern Africa?
Only three species are indigenous to southern Africa namely Celtis gomphophylla (false white stinkwood), C. mildbraedii (Natal white stinkwood) and C. africana. Other related species in southern Africa include Trema orientalis (trema/pigeon wood), Chaetachme aristata (chaetachme/false white pear) and the three celtis species.
What kind of birds eat Celtis africana seeds?
Many birds like rameron pigeons, willow warblers, black-eyed bulbuls, mousebirds and crested barbets feed on the fruits and disperse the seeds. Celtis africana leaves are browsed by cattle and goats, and are food for the larvae of the long-nosed butterfly. The wood of Celtis africana is white to yellowish in colour and of medium hardness.
What kind of soil does Celtis africana need?
Celtis africanais fast and easy to grow. It is fairly drought resistant and can withstand frost. It does best in good, rich, deep soil with plenty of water in summer. This is an excellent tree for large gardens and parks, and has also proved to be a successful street and avenue tree.
What are the leaves of Celtis africana used for?
Celtis africana leaves are browsed by cattle and goats, and are food for the larvae of the long-nosed butterfly. The wood of Celtis africana is white to yellowish in colour and of medium hardness. It is tough and strong, and polishes well, but is difficult to work.