Cannabaceae
Celtis wightii
Wight's hackberry, Wight's nettle tree
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This evergreen tree, often forming a shrub, typically grows between 3 to 20 metres tall, though it can reach up to 40 metres. It features smooth, grey bark and often develops short, sharp buttresses at its base. Its leaves are elliptic to elliptic-oblong, glabrous, and notable for being 3-nerved from the base.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for coastal Kilifi gardens, this species thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soils. It serves well as a specimen tree or for providing shade in a garden or landscape, particularly in lowland and riverine forest settings.
Growing notes
A fast-growing tree, it prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and pH levels once established. Propagation is typically achieved through seeds, which benefit from stratification.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: jstor.org, kew.org, tropicaltimber.info, selinawamucii.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.