White stinkwood (Celtis africana)
Care, watering, light and tips for White stinkwood on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Cannabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About White stinkwood
Celtis africana, also known as Hazo domohi or White Stinkwood, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to Southern Africa. It features smooth, grey bark and bright green foliage, making it an excellent shade tree or a stately specimen in large gardens and parks. Its elegant silhouette and fast growth make it ideal for reforestation and as an ornamental tree.
Native range
Sub-Saharan Africa, from South Africa to Ethiopia and Yemen
Care tips
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is quite tolerant of various conditions. Watering should be regular during its early years to establish a strong root system; once mature, it is drought-resistant. It adapts to different soil types, provided they have good drainage, though it prefers rich, well-aerated soils. A common mistake is overwatering in heavy soils, which can lead to root rot, so ensuring proper drainage is crucial.
How to save a dying White stinkwood
- Warning signs
- Yellow or brown leaves falling prematurely, wilted young shoots, cracked or oozing trunk.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist but not waterlogged soil), protect from intense direct sun, look for pests/diseases.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging rotting roots or prolonged extreme drought. Also severe off-season pruning.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the wood isn't completely dry and main trunk isn't damaged. Act quickly with watering and protection.