Celtis

The genus Celtis, consists of about 80 species of deciduous, rarely evergreen trees and shrubs. The genus is part of the Elm family, to which elms belong. Southern carcass (Celtis australis) - a plant of rather slow growth, reaching a height of 20 m. It is characterized by a straight trunk covered with smooth dark gray bark. Young branches are pubescent. Simple alternate leaves are oblong-egg-shaped with a finely toothed edge and a pointed end, slightly asymmetrical at the base, rough on the upper side. Young leaves of light green color gradually darken, and by autumn they acquire a beautiful yellow color, after which they quickly fall off. In spring, at the same time as the leaves appear single or collected in small groups of nondescript greenish-yellow bisexual flowers. The fruits are small globular drupes with a powdery sweet pulp of yellow or light brown color. They are edible, but mostly birds like them. The root system is very well developed, powerful, located very close to the surface, so the roots can lift the soil around the plant (which is why in Italy it is called a "stone-crushing tree"). Sometimes the roots penetrate deep into rock cracks. In the western frame (C. occidentalis), the bark is more -rough, the leaves are thinner, and the crown is broadly ovate in comparison with the southern frame. C. tournefortii, known in Europe as the "female carcass", most often grows as a shrub with glossy small green leaves with rounded denticles. Stone or iron wood is called the Caucasian frame (C. caucasica), sometimes growing in a shrub-like manner, 4-7 m high. The leaves are egg-shaped, large-toothed. It is valued as a drought-resistant breed. Celtis prickly (C. laevigata) - a plant with whole lanceolate or slightly toothed leaves. The framework reticulata (C. reticulata) reticulate whole or with a large-toothed edge -leaves. The foliage of the Chinese carcass (C. sinensis) is glossy.

The genus Celtis, consists of about 80 species of deciduous, rarely evergreen trees and shrubs. The genus is part of the Elm family, to which elms belong.

Southern carcass (Celtis australis) - a plant of rather slow growth, reaching a height of 20 m. It is characterized by a straight trunk covered with smooth dark gray bark. Young branches are pubescent. Simple alternate leaves are oblong-egg-shaped with a finely toothed edge and a pointed end, slightly asymmetrical at the base, rough on the upper side. Young leaves of light green color gradually darken, and by autumn they acquire a beautiful yellow color, after which they quickly fall off. In spring, at the same time as the leaves appear single or collected in small groups of nondescript greenish-yellow bisexual flowers. The fruits are small globular drupes with a powdery sweet pulp of yellow or light brown color. They are edible, but mostly birds like them. The root system is very well developed, powerful, located very close to the surface, so the roots can lift the soil around the plant (which is why in Italy it is called a "stone-crushing tree"). Sometimes the roots penetrate deep into rock cracks.

In the western frame (C. occidentalis), the bark is more -rough, the leaves are thinner, and the crown is broadly ovate in comparison with the southern frame.

C. tournefortii, known in Europe as the "female carcass", most often grows as a shrub with glossy small green leaves with rounded denticles.

Stone or iron wood is called the Caucasian frame (C. caucasica), sometimes growing in a shrub-like manner, 4-7 m high. The leaves are egg-shaped, large-toothed. It is valued as a drought-resistant breed.

Celtis prickly (C. laevigata) - a plant with whole lanceolate or slightly toothed leaves.

The framework reticulata (C. reticulata) reticulate whole or with a large-toothed edge -leaves. The foliage of the Chinese carcass (C. sinensis) is glossy.

Cultivation

Plants of the Celtis genus are planted in the open ground, used in landscaping. Because of the resistance of these species to adverse environmental conditions, they are often planted along the streets of cities. However, a certain inconvenience lies in the superficially located strong root system. These plants are also used to strengthen scree, to develop abandoned areas, and for protective afforestation. From the seeds of the carcass, an oil is obtained that tastes like almond oil. The wood is exceptionally strong and highly polished. Planted in a permanent place on the site in the spring. It can be planted in a low-fertile area. stony ground (in nature, the carcass also grows on mountain slopes, in rock crevices, on limestone outcrops), although, of course, fresh land with good drainage is more suitable. Pruning is reduced to removing damaged, dry or unsightly branches.

Location

Plants of the Celtis genus develop optimally in open sunny space, do not tolerate shade well.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to both high and low temperatures, but they are afraid of strong and prolonged frosts, especially late ones, which can damage young shoots.

Watering

It is recommended to water at an early stage of development. Overgrown trees almost never need watering, plants of the Celtis genus are characterized by increased drought resistance.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds, in culture-also layers and cuttings. Seeds are sown in the open ground in a closed corner of the garden in autumn or in March, in spring. Grown shoots are thinned out. They are planted on a permanent landing site only after 3-4 years. Scions, cuttings, and air layers are less commonly used.

Diseases

Plants of the Celtis genus are susceptible to viral diseases that provoke yellowing of the foliage and its premature fall. Unfortunately, to date, no methods have been developed to combat these diseases, so the plant can only be removed. On the shoots, so-called witch brooms are formed-frail and tightly collected twigs (they can be removed manually), as well as galls on the leaves that appear after bites of worms and other insects (insecticide treatment is not necessary). With prolonged drought, the leaves of the frame curl and fall off, with the onset of favorable conditions, they appear new ones.

Acquisition

Frames are easily found in specialized nurseries and horticultural centers offering a wide range of crops. It is better to choose small saplings, so that it is easier to plant them in the ground, and young trees tolerate transplanting better. On the other hand, you need to buy well-formed copies.