Family: Cannabaceae
Author: Torr.
Bibliography: W.H.Emory, Rep. U.S. Mex. Bound. 2(1): 203 (1859)
Year: 1859
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Celtis
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: S. U.S.A. to Mexico, Caribbean, Brazil to N. Argentina
Description
Desert hackberry, scientifically known as Celtis pallida, is a vital component of the arid landscapes spanning from the southern United States to Mexico, extending its presence into the Caribbean, Brazil, and reaching as far as northern Argentina. This resilient member of the Cannabaceae family thrives in desert environments where few plants can endure the harsh conditions.
First described by the botanist Torr. in W.H. Emory’s “Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey” in 1859, the desert hackberry has captivated naturalists with its adaptability and natural beauty. The plant typically exhibits a dense and thorny growth pattern, making it highly resistant to grazing by animals and an effective natural barrier in its native regions.
Desert hackberry is well-adapted to survival in its rugged habitats. It typically grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights that allow it to stand out against the sparse desert vegetation. The plant’s leaves are small, oval, and arranged in an alternate pattern, usually providing a modest but essential amount of shade and shelter for various desert-dwelling species.
In addition to its structural adaptations, Celtis pallida is renowned for its small, orange to red edible fruits. These berries, which mature in late summer to early autumn, are not only a source of nourishment for local wildlife but also historically significant for indigenous peoples who have used them for food and medicinal purposes. The fruits’ sweetness and nutritional value make them a sought-after delicacy amongst desert fauna.
Ecologically, the desert hackberry plays a crucial role in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, a vital function in areas prone to sporadic but intense rainfall. Its thorny branches provide habitat and protection for a myriad of insects and small animals, contributing to the biodiversity of arid ecosystems.
Undoubtedly, Celtis pallida, or desert hackberry, embodies the tenacity and interdependence of life in some of the most challenging terrestrial conditions on Earth. Its presence across a vast geographical range underscores its ecological importance and adaptability, making it a key species for conservation and study in desert and semi-arid regions.
Common Names
En: Desert hackberry, Spiny hackberry, Desert hackberry (spiny), Granjeno, Tala
Ar: ميس تالا
Es: Granjeno
Synonyms
- Celtis spinosa var. pallida ((Torr.) M.C.Johnst.)
- Celtis tala var. pallida ((Torr.) Planch.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Texas (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Feb 6, 2022 by Muzzachiodi Norberto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2022 by Muzzachiodi Norberto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Feb 6, 2022 by Muzzachiodi Norberto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Terry Miller (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 6, 2022 by Muzzachiodi Norberto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 28, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 5, 2022 by Carlos Aprea (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Mauricio León Carreño (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:51204-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Celtis pallida Torr.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2984494)