There is some disagreement over this species. In some recent workssuch as Jørgensen, P. M., M. H. Nee & S. G. Beck. (eds.) 2015 en adelante. Catalogo de las plantas vasculares de Bolivia (adiciones), it has been reduced to synonymity under Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sarg., whilst the on-line Flora do Brasil recognizes it as a distinct species. We are maintaining it as distinct here for the time being, though it is likely to be transferred to Celtis iguanaea[].

Common Name:

General Information

Celtis pubescens is a semideciduous tree with a wide, irregular crown; it can grow 4 - 8 metres tall[]. The short bole can be 20 - 25cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and timber. It is an excellent pioneer species for restoring native woodland and also for establishing woodland gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, southern, central and eastern Brazil, Peru.

Habitat

Savannah woodland and gallery forests, more commonly in secondary formations[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position[]. Tolerant of a range of soil humidity[].
The plant is an aggressive pioneer species, readily invading pasture land. It is considered to be a weed species by cattle ranchers[].
A fast-growing species[].

Edible Uses

The fruit has a succulent, sweet tasting pulp, but there is only a thin layer of flesh on a very small fruit about 4mm in diameter[]. It is almost certainly edible, but too small to be worthwhile[].

Medicinal

The bark is used as a febrifuge[, ].
Applied externally, the bark is used in the treatment of ophthalmia[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing, natural pioneer species in its native range, where it is also an excellent source of fruit for birds[]. It readily invades pasture land, where it is considered to be a weed[]. It has an excellent potential for use in local reforestation schemes and also for establishing native woodlands, though it should only be used within its native range because of its potential to escape from cultivation[].

Other Uses

The heartwood and sapwood are not clearly differentiated[]. The wood is moderately heavy, elastic, soft, porous and not durable[, ]. Because of its small dimensions, it is only used for items such as tool handles, general carpentry, box making and paper pulp[, ].
The wood is used to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a nursery seedbed in a sunny position[]. A germination rate in excess of 50% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 20 days. The seedlings grow away quickly[].

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