The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 3 Summer 2012 | Page 30

Celtis africana

By Pure Earth Trees

This indigenous tree has so much
horticultural potential and a place in
most Zimbabwean gardens.
Celtis africana is commonly known as the White stinkwood
because of the unpleasant smell of the freshly cut wood and
the white bark. Don’t be put off by the smelly wood, as there
is so much more to discover about this lovely tree.

Characteristics
The White stinkwood is a medium to large deciduous or semi
deciduous tree - depending on its growing environment. It
grows between 12 to 30 metres in height with a spread of
about 3m. The bark is a smooth pale grey to almost white. Its
attractive bark makes it a stunning tree to look at especially
when it has lost most of its leaf cover. The leaves are simple
and light green in colour but are sometimes darker on older
trees. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, yellowish
green in colour and the separate male and female flowers are
borne on the same tree from August to October as the new
leaves start to appear. After flowering, small oval berries are
produced from October to February. The berries turn yellow
when they are ripe.
The chopped wood is white to yellowish in colour and of
medium hardness. It is tough and strong, and polishes well,
but is difficult to work. It is a good general timber suitable for
shelving, carving and furniture.

Its attractive bark makes it a stunning tree to
look at \