Celtis Africana 125lt (White Stinkwood)
Common Names: White Stinkwood,  witstinkhou

Full Sun
Medium Watering
Indigenous

Fast-growing shade tree that grows up to 10m in height with a wide crown and characteristic smooth, grey trunk.
They have an invasive root system and are not suitable for small gardens.

Celtis Africana is commonly known as White Stinkwood and is a species of deciduous tree belonging to the Cannabaceae family. It is native to various regions in Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland.

Appearance: The White Stinkwood is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow up to 20-25 meters in height. It has a spreading canopy with a rounded or irregular shape. The bark is smooth and greyish-white when young, but it becomes rough and darkens with age.

Leaves: The leaves are simple, alternate, and have a serrated margin. They are elliptical in shape and can be 4-10 cm long. The leaves are typically bright green, turning yellow to golden in autumn before falling off in winter.

Flowers: The tree produces inconspicuous, small, greenish flowers in late spring or early summer. These flowers are not showy but are important as a nectar source for insects.

Fruits: After flowering, Celtis africana develops small, fleshy, and roundish fruits that turn from green to orange or purplish when ripe. The fruits are edible and are consumed by various birds and mammals, contributing to seed dispersal.

Habitat: The White Stinkwood is commonly found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and along riverbanks. It is a hardy and adaptable species that can tolerate a range of conditions.

Uses: In some regions, the wood of Celtis africana has been used for various purposes, including furniture, carvings, and construction. However, it is not as extensively used as some other tree species due to its relative softness. The tree is also valued for its role in providing shade, food for wildlife, and ornamental qualities.

It’s worth noting that the common name “White Stinkwood” comes from the strong, unpleasant smell emitted by the wood when freshly cut. This odour tends to dissipate as the wood dries, and it does not pose any health risks.

Acacia Sieberiana 125lt
Common Name: Paperbark Tree

Acacia/Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii, commonly known as the paperbark thorn, is a tree species within the Fabaceae family.

Botanical Characteristics

Leaves: The paperbark thorn has bipinnate leaves, which are typical of many Acacia species. The leaflets are small, giving the leaves a fine, feathery appearance.
Bark: As the common name suggests, the bark of this tree is papery and peels off in thin flakes. It is usually a creamy white to light brown colour.
Thorns: The tree features paired white thorns at the base of the leaves, which are straight and can be quite sharp.
Flowers: It produces small, spherical, yellow to creamy-white flower clusters that are fragrant and attract various pollinators.
Fruit: The tree bears elongated, flattened pods that contain seeds. The pods are typically a light brown colour when mature.

Growing Conditions

Climate: Paperbarks thrive in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and is commonly found in savannas and open woodland areas.
Soil: It prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
Watering: This species is drought-tolerant, making it well-suited to areas with seasonal rainfall.

Ecological Role

Habitat: The paperbark thorn is an important species in its native habitat, providing shelter and food for various wildlife, including insects, birds, and mammals.
Nitrogen Fixation: Like many legumes, it has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, which helps enrich the soil with nitrogen.

Uses

Timber: The wood is hard and durable, used for construction, furniture, and tools.
Traditional Medicine: Various parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as coughs, colds, and skin infections.
Fodder: The leaves and pods are a source of food for livestock during dry seasons.
Gum: The tree exudes a gum that can be used similarly to gum arabic.

Nutritional and Health Benefits

Herbal Remedies: Traditional uses include the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal issues, due to the antimicrobial properties of the plant extracts.
Anti-inflammatory: The bark and leaves have been used in poultices to reduce inflammation and promote healing of wounds.

Cultivation and Management

Propagation: The tree is typically propagated from seeds, which often require pre-treatment such as soaking or scarification to enhance germination.
Growth Rate: It has a moderate to fast growth rate, particularly in favourable conditions with adequate water and nutrients.
Management: Pruning may be necessary to manage its thorny branches and to shape the tree for aesthetic or practical purposes.

Conservation and Environmental Importance

Soil Conservation: Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it valuable in stabilizing soil in its native range.
Biodiversity: It supports biodiversity by providing habitat and food for a variety of organisms.

Acacia/Vachellia sieberiana var. woodii is a versatile and ecologically significant tree, playing a crucial role in its natural habitat while offering numerous benefits for human use and environmental sustainability.