SafePlants

Celtis africana: The White Stinkwood

Celtis africana, commonly known as the White Stinkwood, is a deciduous tree popular in South African gardens, parks, and streets.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant may have small parts (e.g. leaves, seeds).

Considerations for Children

• The plant may have small parts (e.g. leaves, seeds).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Celtis africana Burm. f.
• Family: Cannabaceae (formerly Ulmaceae and Celtidaceae)
• Synonyms/Alternative Spellings: Celtis africana Burm. fil.
• Symbol: CEAF3

Common Names

• White Stinkwood
• African Elm
• Witstinkhout (Afrikaans)
• umVumvu (Xhosa)
• inDwandwazane (Zulu)
• African Whitestinkwood
• Camdeboo
• uMoyawovungu ("stormy wind")
• uSinga lwesalukazi
• Agewgna
• Equa Amargna
• Amlaka
• Kawoot Kefgna
• Shishu Oromugna
• Amalaqqa
• Cheke

Distribution and Habitat

• Celtis africana is widespread in tropical Africa, from Ghana to Somalia and south to South Africa and Lesotho, and also found in Yemen.
• In South Africa, it occurs from the Cape Peninsula up the East Coast.
• It thrives in various habitats, ranging from forests to bushveld.
• It is native to Southern Africa.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The tree's habit ranges from a tall tree in forests (reaching up to 40m) to a medium-sized tree in bushveld.
• It is a deciduous tree.
• The trunk is distinguished by its smooth, pale grey to white bark, which may be loosely peeling in old trees and sometimes has horizontal markings.
• Young branches have hairy bark that becomes smooth and light gray.
• Leaves are alternate, simple, and pinnately veined, measuring 2 to 5 inches.
• It is a fast-growing and drought-resistant species.

Uses

• Leaves are used in traditional human and veterinary medicine in South Africa.
• It can be grown as a bonsai.

Ecological Role

• Several exotic Celtis species have been introduced to urban areas of southern Africa and can be easily confused with Celtis africana.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Nine compounds have been isolated for the first time from Celtis africana, namely trans-N-coumaroyltyramine (1), trans-N-feruloyltyramine (2).

Further Information

• Witkoppen Wildflower Nursery, South Africa's oldest Indigenous Plant Nursery.
• South African National List of Trees No. 39.
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).
• GRIN Taxonomy.
• Catalogue of Life.
• USDA Zone - 8 Se.