Common Name:

General Information

Celtis boninensis is a tall deciduous tree.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern Japan (Okinawa).

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have no specific information for this species, but Celtis species generally prefer hotter summers and more sunlight than are normally experienced in maritime regions of the temperate zone. In areas with cooler summers the plants often do not fully ripen their wood and are then very subject to die-back in the winter[, , ]. Celtis boninensis is native to the southern Japanese islands and is unlikely to be able to tolerate much frost.
Species in this genus generally prefer a sunny position, succeeding in any reasonably good soil, preferring a good fertile well-drained loamy soil[, , ]. They usually succeed on dry gravels and on sandy soils and, once established, are very drought resistant[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[]. The red, globose fruit is around 6 -7mm in diameter and contains a single, large seed. No more details are given, but there is likely to be very little flesh around the seed, and this flesh is likely to be dry and mealy[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but most species in this genus yield a fine timber; their fibre-rich bark is utilized for the manufacture of ropes and paper; and an oil obtained from the seed is used for making soaps and lubricants[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed is best given 2 - 3 months cold stratification and then sown late winter/early spring in a greenhouse[, ]. Germination rates are usually good, though the stored seed might take 12 months or more to germinate. The seed can be stored for up to 5 years[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. The leaves of seedlings often have a lot of white patches without chlorophyll, this is normal and older plants produce normal green leaves. Grow the seedlings on in a cold frame for their first winter, and plant them out in the following late spring or early summer[]. Give them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings