05 Jan Chinese celtis, Hackberry
Celtis sinensis
Seedlings quickly establish in disturbed
areas in a wide range of soils forming
a dense mono-storey. Prevents native
re-growth. Widespread weed near
coastal rainforest.
Family: Ulmaceae
Origin: China, Korea and Japan
Habit: Large semi-deciduous
tree to 20 m losing its dense canopy in the winter months.
Leaves: Oval shaped leaves 4.5-9 cm long with a pointed tip and toothed
margins along the upper half. Sparse hairs along the midvein.
Flowers: Early summer. Copious amounts of round green fruits turn
orange in late summer/early autumn.
Fruit: Copious quantities round green fruits turn orange/red
in Autumn.
Roots: Extensive lateral root system
Dispersal: Large fruit eating birds (Currawongs, Indian Mynas etc) and
bats spread the seed. Also transported by water.
Control: Seedlings can be hand pulled. Large areas can be sprayed with a
glyphosate-herbicide. Stems of larger plants can be scraped and
painted or drilled, and glyphosate applied. Plants may sucker if cut.
