European hackberry (Celtis australis, Sp. Pl.: 1043 (1753))

Family: Cannabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1043 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Celtis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to N. Iran

Description

The European hackberry, known scientifically as Celtis australis, is a noteworthy and resilient tree widely recognized in various regions stretching from the Mediterranean to Northern Iran. Initially documented in 1753, this species has demonstrated significant adaptability and significance in numerous ecological landscapes.

Belonging to the Cannabaceae family, the European hackberry boasts a deep lineage within the plant kingdom. Its recognition by esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus underscores its longstanding presence and importance within botany. The tree is commonly found in a variety of dry and rocky habitats throughout its native range, showcasing its hardiness and versatility.

Celtis australis is appreciated both for its aesthetic appeal and its environmental benefits. It typically features slender, drooping branches and can reach impressive heights, often contributing to the lush, green canopies in its native regions. The leaves of the European hackberry are distinctive, with a rough texture and a shape that tapers to a point, contributing to its unique visual identity.

Moreover, the tree holds considerable ecological value, offering habitat and food for various wildlife species. Its small, dark, berry-like fruits are especially attractive to birds, which, in turn, aid in seed dispersion. The robust nature of the European hackberry allows it to thrive in both urban and rural settings, making it a preferred choice for planting in areas prone to drought or poor soil conditions.

The European hackberry not only plays a vital role in its native ecosystems but also in urban greening projects where its toughness and durability make it an excellent street or park tree. Its ability to withstand air pollution and provide shade makes it highly beneficial in urban environments.

In conclusion, Celtis australis is a remarkable tree that has earned its place in both natural and cultivated landscapes. Its adaptability, ecological contributions, and enduring beauty underscore its significance and ensure its continued appreciation and study within the realms of botany and environmental science.

Common Names

Eng: european hackberry, european nettletree, mediterranean hackberry, sindha taga, honey-berry, lotetree, nettletree, southern nettle tree
Fra: micocoulier de provence, micocoulier du midi, fanalrigon, micocoulier
Deu: südlicher zürgelbaum, europäischer z., südlicher zürgelbaum
Ita: arcidiavolo, bagolaro, spaccasassi
Hun: déli ostorfa
Swe: europeisk bäralm
Spa: lódao-bastardo
Afr: netelboom
En: European hackberry, Lotetree, Mediterranean hackberry, Nettletree, Sindha taga, Honey-berry, European nettletree, European nettle tree, Lote tree, Nettle Tree, Southern Nettle Tree, Southern Nettle-tree
Af: Netelboom
Sq: Caraci
Ar: ميس جنوبي
Az: Cənub dağdağanı
Eu: Almeza
Bg: Копривка
Ca: Lledoner, Lladroner
Cs: Břestovec jižní
Nl: Europese netelboom, Netelboom
Eo: Aŭstrala celtido
Fi: Euroopankeltis
Fr: Fanalrigon, Micocoulier, Micocoulier de Provence, Micocoulier du Midi, Falabreguier, Micocoulier austral
Gl: Lodeiro
Ka: Სამხრეთის აკაკი
De: Südlicher Zürgelbaum, Europäischer Zürgelbaum, Südlicher Zürgelbaum, Europäischer Z.
El: Κέλτις η νότιος
He: מיש דרומי
Hi: खरक
Hu: Déli ostorfa
It: Spaccasassi, Bagolaro, Arcidiavolo, Bagolaro comune, Albero del rosario, Celtide
Ne: खरी
No: Australnesletre
Oc: Falabreguier
Fa: داغداغان
Pl: Wiązowiec południowy
Pt: Ginginha-do-rei, Lódão-bastardo
Ru: Каркас южный
Sc: Suzarga
Sr: Кошћела
Sk: Brestovec
Es: Almez, Latonero, Navadni koprivovec, Lódao-bastardo, Lidón
Sv: Europeisk bäralm
Tr: Adi çitlembik

Synonyms

• Celtis lutea (Pers.)
• Celtis serrata (Dippel)
• Celtis betulifolia (Vandas)
• Celtis kotschyana (Steven)
• Celtis excelsa (Salisb.)
• Celtis australis f. variegata (Schelle ex Geerinck)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Oct 12, 2018 by nauruan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 4, 2019 by Joachim Knierim-Rabke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 14, 2019 by Gabriella Gabriella (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Sufiya (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 15, 2018 by Pierangelo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by stephane pal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 2017 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 20, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2019 by Muñoz Campaña Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Isabel Ruiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2016 by Rémi Knaff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Capo8 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2017 by jose (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 27, 2019 by jserras (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by theo sabaca (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Denis NESPOULOUS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2015 by Tela Botanica − CONNAULTE Christian (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2022 by Gomez Jimmy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2019 by Jean-Daniel BLARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2022 by Bastien (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2984492)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:850999-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Celtis australis L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’]

Soil nutriments: 5