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Celtis africana

Common names: White Stinkwood (E); Ndwandwazane (Z); Witstinkhout (A); Modutu (SS); Muyilakaya (Ts); Modutu (Tsw); umVumvu (X);

Native to: Southern Africa
Tree

Celtis africana

DECIDUOUS

FULL SUN

FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

10m x 9m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Celtis africana

DESCRIPTION

An attractive deciduous tree which is widespread on the Highveld. It has a smooth pale-grey trunk and light green leaves. It bears tiny, light yellow flowers which are followed by small roundish fruits which are favoured by birds. It got its common name (stinkwood) because the wood has an unpleasant smell when freshly cut.

WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
The fruits are eaten by numerous birds including starlings, barbets, pigeons, weavers and bulbuls.
Larvae of the Cat’s Paw Emperor moth, Blue-spotted Charaxes and African Snout butterflies feed on the leaves.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Moderate
MAINTENANCE
Low maintenance
LANDSCAPING USES
A superb shade tree for large gardens. It is also a favourite bonsai tree
GARDEN THEMES
Bushveld, Country, Forest, Formal, Grassland, Woodland
FOLIAGE
BARK
FRUIT

108 responses

  1. Hi Chantell

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    I’m sorry to hear about your tree and recommend you consult with an arborist to determine the cause and perhaps remedy the situation.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  2. Hi Janice

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    This is unusual but may be a result of the extreme heat we’ve been experiencing. Another possibility is that the tree was scorched by a fire/braai near or under the tree. The tree should recover and produce new leaves once the rains arrive.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  3. Hi there. We based in RUSTENBURG North West. The leaves of the witstinkhout tree look scorched. Very few new leaves hve come out Our other Witstinkhouts are fine.

  4. Hi There,
    I’m worried about my witstinkhout tree & need some advice. We live in Gauteng, Roodepoort area, moved into this house almost 3 years ago, this tree was absolutely the biggest feature of our garden. It’s about 6-8 meters high and is beautiful, strong & healthy. Since we moved in we have been watering our garden with a sprinkler system in summer every second day for 5 min – 10 min. In winter we would water every third day. We’ve had some heavy rains occasionally over the last 2 years but nothing hectic. This year our witstinkhout lost its leaves very late in winter and we have had some rain and there is no foliage in sight. All the other smaller witstinkhout trees in our yard have leaves and are looking amazing but not our big tree. There seems to be no damage to the trunk of the tree and there was a few dead branches here and there but nothing out of the ordinary. This tree is lacking foliage. We decided to prune the tree & the saw dust was a yellowish colour, there was no fluid or wetness. We have had some very funny weather and some very cold spells even up and until now we have had some chilly weather. Is it possible my tree is under stress because of the weather, or is it still “hibernating” or is it possibly dead? How would I know if it is and why would it just die for no apparent reason? We did nothing different than what we have been doing last 2 years, which was only to water the garden, everything around it is thriving.

  5. Hi Susan

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    This doesn’t sound like ant behaviour. Could you perhaps have other creatures on your trees?

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  6. Hi my celtis trees have started getting raw patches in their bark but only in the joints of the different stems to the main stem. Almost looks like something has been nibbling away at it. Could ants be causing this?

  7. Hi Anina

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    The berries of Celtis africana are consumed by many birds species and the wood will be safe to construct your perches for your pet parrot.

    All the best in getting creative with your project.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  8. Would love to know if Celtis Africana is save to use for parrot perches and toys. I just had to cut back one of mine a bit and need new perches and toys for my pet parrot. I found many blogs on the internet listing the “safe” and “not safe” trees for bird toys and perches but none of them even mention the Celtis Africana. Could anyone please let me know?

  9. Hi Gabby

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    The bark of Celtis africana can peel as the tree ages. However, a peeling bark could also be the sign of a diseased tree. I recommend you monitor the growth over spring and summer and consult with an arborist if you notice dying limbs or further signs of bark damage.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  10. Hi there we have a witstinkhout in our garden and its winter now and some of the bark is peeling? I’m just wondering if this is normal or if I should be worried? Its not thick pieces of bark its paper thin pieces of bark peeling off.

  11. Hi Nico

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Growing lawn right up to the trunk of a tree can be tricky as the shade cast by the tree may affect the healthy of your lawn if you’ve a sun-loving species such as Kikuyu. It may be worthwhile planting a shade species such as LM which will be better able to tolerate the conditions.

    Another alternative would be to convert an area around the tree into a bedding area with plants suited to the conditions.

    Flourish!
    Glencie

  12. Hi Lynette

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Sometimes over-watering can cause leaves to droop. Check that the soil in you bonsai pot is free-draining and only water when it dries completely to avoid this.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  14. Hi. We have a wit stinkhout bonsai tree. The leaves are pointing down or towards each other. There are definitely no white fly, red spider mite or apids. The tree looks sad. It’s getting watered every day due to the heat and standing in a semi shade spot. We really don’t want to loose this tree.

  15. Hi Anel

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    This is common on White Stinkwoods, particularly the exotic species. Although unsightly, this doesn’t seem to affect the trees.
    If it does bother you, it’s best to consult with an arborist to advise on a suitable treatment.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  16. Hi, we have a few wit stinkhout trees in our garden and they produce this black sticky stuff that falls on my tiles and is difficult to remove. Is that normal? My husband says he hear it’s a little goggatjie that causes it and should spray them with something. Please can you advise.
    Thank you.

  17. Hi MC

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    It sounds like your tree may have been affected by a combination of excess exposure to chlorine and over-watering during the period that you were attending to your pool issues and it may be best to have it assessed by an arborist to determine the extent of the damage and any actions that may help it may recover.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  18. Good day,

    We moved into a new house in May. The pool backwash outlet is next to the Witstinkhout tree. We had major trouble with the pool which required regular chlorination and back washing.
    The witstinkhout now suddenly started dying. Certain branches are dead and the bark is detached from the tree.

    I was advised that the tree is dying and I must remove it.

    Can this be due to the high chlorine exposure from the swimming pool?
    If certain branches are already dead, and the bark detaching – can the tree still be saved? More than half of the branches are still alive and looks “normal”.

  19. Hi Karin

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Clay soils are tricky to garden in as they appear dry on the surface yet are waterlogged at the root zone.

    In order to give your new tree a better chance of survival, prepare the planting hole twice the depth and width of your young plant. Remove the clay soil and add a well-drained planting medium containing topsoil, river sand and compost to a ratio of roughly 50:10:30. If you’re in a summer rainfall zone, water sparingly when there is no rain. In winter, avoid watering the tree completely as this will will allow it to go dormant and strengthen it for growth in spring.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  20. Planted a Celtis Africana in the beginning of spring, gave it plenty of water, summer came and it it started to show some leaves opening. I was so excited. Then about 3 weeks later the leaves died and the tree is dead. We couldn’t understand why! So when we took it out of the ground we noticed that at the roots it was soaking wet in water. We also came to realize that the soil is clay and think that there is maybe not adequate drainage? Please can you give me some advice to when I Plant another one in the same area on how much water I should give and how to improve the drainage. Thanks karin

  21. Hi Gerda

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    It is common for insects to depend on a specific species as their host plant so this could be the case in your instance. I’d recommend leaving them for this season and seeing how the tree recovers once the beetle larvae is gone.

    Hopefully we can connect with an entomologist to get more clarity on this phenomena.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  22. Good day. There is a lot of larvae on my stinkwoods. I did take a picture and identified them as the celtis leave beatle (Megaleruca sp.) I would like to know if this beatle is harmful to the tree. Should I get rid of the larvae or can I just let them be. I tried to get more information but can not find if they are harmful or not.

  23. Hi Gerrit

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Celtis africana is known to hybridize with the exotic Celtis species which are widely planted. These plants are therefore not indigenous and may display more characteristics of the exotic species.

    If you’d like a purely indigenous garden, it may be best to source your trees from another nursery that sells pure Celtis africana.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  24. Hi Jurgens

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    We’ve noticed this yellowing of leaves in many Celtis trees around Gauteng as well and we’re noticing signs of an early autumn this year. It could be signs of climate change…

    In general, trees in domestic gardens tend to go through more stress than specimens growing in the wild due to extra watering (particularly in winter) and soil disturbance where lower-growing bedding plants are incorporated around the root zone.

    This seems to be a natural response to changing environmental conditions. Monitor your trees in the next season and if you notice any other signs of distress, it may be worthwhile contracting an arborist to treat your trees.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  25. Hello Glenice
    I noted that similar questions are being asked by different people relating to their Celtis africana trees. Mine range between 20 and 40 years. They are all turning yellow (about half the leaf has a blotchy, brownish-yellow colour) and the trees are shedding them now. Many branch tips are already completely leafless.
    They are a sorry sight and they look sick.
    We have had very good rains but much less than during the previous season.
    Sorry to bother with the same kind of questions, but from your earlier responses I am not clear on whether this is a disease of sorts, stress (why?) age or other issues.
    Grateful for any further clarity you may add.
    Kind regards
    Jurgens Young
    Bapsfontein

  26. I received a quote stating “Celtis Africana/Australis hybrids” is it the same tree (witstinkhout)

  27. Hi Piet

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    This has been fairly common on many Celtis african trees in Gauteng and we think it is due to the higher than normal rainfall.

    However, monitor your tree in the coming months and watch out for any signs of disease.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  28. Hi Glenice,
    My white stinkwood is about 25 years old, and this summer (January 2023) I noticed two unusual things.
    Firstly, the tree is dropping quite a lot of green leaves, something that has never happened before on such a scale.

    Secondly, some leaves started yellowing in the middle of summer. I have noticed a few yellow leaves in Feb in previous years, but this year a lot more leaves are turning yellow.
    Up till now, we’ve had good rains, with a mixture of coolish and hot days in between.
    Can you give me some advice please?
    Thank you
    Piet Pretorius
    Bloemfontein

  29. Hi Carina

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    It’s not always easy to tell the difference between these two species without physically comparing leaf specimens. Celtis sinensis tends to have a darker, glossy leaf with a more course texture than Celtis africana.

    To confuse matters further, there are two possible exotic species – Celtis australis and Celtis sinensis (Chinese hackberry) and both can potentially hybridise with each other and the indigenous Celtis africana.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  30. How can I tell the difference between a witstinkhout and a chinese hackberry? I have four trees in my garden that are one or the other?

  31. Hi Nicholas

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Birds do not typically damage trees so it sounds like you’ve something else affecting your tree.

    It may be best to get an arborist to inspect the tree as this sounds like you may loose it if left unchecked.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  32. Hi,

    We have W. Stinkwood about 15-old. Since about 3-years ago it has never grown as prolifically as we are used to. This year we have noticed that the branches are stripped of wood and we are unsure as to why. We believe it may be a bird as there are hundreds of notches and scratch marks in the areas where the bark has been stripped.

    It would help if I could send some pictures… but I cant do that here…

    This ring barking is killing off our branches and making a huge mess! Any input would be great!

    Merry Christmas!

  33. Hi Marelize

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Sorry to hear about your trees. When caterpillars are ‘attacking’ indigenous plants, it’s usually a natural phenomenon as the plants serve as hosts to specific insect species. As it’s a symbiotic relationship, the plants do not suffer from any long-term damage and will quickly recover once the insects enter the next phase of their lifecycle. Celtis africana is a known larval host plant to several moth species so this could be the case in your location. Given that most parts of the country are experiencing incredible rainfall, it’s natural to witness increased wildlife activity as they too benefit from this season of abundance.

    If you are concerned about your trees, it may be best to contact a local arborist to inspect the trees.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  34. I wish I could post some photos. Some insect invaded my witstinkhout trees. They are clumping in colonies. Worms, papua and insects itself. They are scouring the foliage and I really fear for my trees.

  35. Hi Lorna

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    You’ve an unusual situation that will require some experimentation and investigation. In this scenario, the constantly wet soil could lead to root rot and fungal infections in many species. I’d recommend you look at trees growing in your area to ascertain what will work for your space.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  37. I want to plant a Celtis Africana about two and a half metres from the west side of our house. But the hole we’re digging is obviously down into clay, and the water just sits. Will the Celtis cope with this? especially if I don’t put any of the clay back into the hole? Will it just take longer to get really big? or will it not cope with the clay and possible poor drainage at all?

  38. Hi, hope someone can help me.
    My Celtis africana’s one side did not get new leaves for the last 2 years and the bark is now coming loose on those branches. What can be the cause of that? We had some major draught about 3 years ago.

  39. Hi Caroline

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook and for sharing your observation.

    More details would be helpful – do you know what bird species is doing this and any other mannerisms displayed?

    We’ve seen that male weavers strip the foliage off branches before nest building and during the building process which we presume is to increase visibility of his proposed home.

    Bark is sometimes stripped by birds to get to insects, but that is usually older bark.

    It doesn’t sound like anything that will harm your tree but please share additional details.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  40. Good day, I’ve noticed that some of the birds are ‘barkstripping’ the top branches of our Celtis-Africana trees.

    Can this be detrimental to the tree or will the branches be able to recover from this? It’s winter and I can only think that the birds are supplementing their nutrition some how?

  41. Hi Hendrik

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    The leaf galls are probably a result of insects such as wasps laying their eggs on your tree. Apart from being unsightly, the galls are usually harmless to the tree.

    Note, however, that leaf galls can sometimes be a result of a bacterial or fungal infection. It may be best to contact an arborist to examine the tree for more clarity on the cause and possible treatment options.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  42. Hi

    We have a large White Stinkwood (celtis africana) in our garden. It develops leaf galls when the leaves form. The tree has now shed all its leaves as it is winter. How do we prevent the galls from forming.

  43. Hi Anita

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    As leaves of Celtis africana are highly palatable for horses, sheep and cattle but, interestingly, are poisonous to fish.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  44. Goeie more

    Ek het dringend hulp nodig asseblief. Is die witstinkhout boom se blare giftig vir perde?

    Baie dankie.

  45. Hi Richard

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    This sounds like a common problem experienced with Celtis species. It’s caused by the Chinese Hackberry Aphid.

    You may need to visit your local nursery to get assistance or contact an arborist in your area.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  46. Hi all my tree like this is abut 3 tears oil now and giving off a sticky substance on the tile we have put on the on side of the patio is this normal or is this a problem with the tree

  47. Hi Xavier

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Celtis africana is not usually affected by black leaf spot. The leaves of Celtis africana do tend to start yellowing from mid-summer through to autumn.

    You may wish to consult with an arborist if your trees are badly affected.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  48. Hi Colleen

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    This is very strange. Your trees appear to be suffering from some sort of stress. It may be beneficial to consult with an arborist if you wish to take some action to try to save them.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  49. Hi

    I have many White Stinkwood trees in my garden. After winter 2020, the leaves came out as usual, and then were all shed again in about September which never happens. Then tiny little leaves appeared again, and there are little fluffy leaves forming all over the main branches. This has happened to 3 of my big trees, but not to the others, which still have all there normal leaves which appeared after winter last year. It is really strange… Have you heard of this before? Is this some type of parasite? If so, what can I do??

    Regards
    Colleen

  50. Good day, does the stinkwood struggle with black leaf spot? As my stinkwood has random yellow leaves and not sure if it’s from over watering or black leaf spot.

    Regards Xavier

  51. Hi David

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    As far as I’m aware, Christmas beetles do not cause any damage to Celtis africana trees.

    Your trees are suffering from some kind of stress which may be caused by the shot hole borer. It is difficult to determine without examining the tree. If this continues, I’d recommend contacting an arborist to inspect your tree.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  52. Hi in the last few weeks my witstinkhout appears to be dropping leaves not full looks like a lack of water, but we have had good rains and soil does drain well, in the evenings the tree is covered by the brown ” Christmas ” beetles, could they be killing my tree or is it this pin beetle I have been hearing about.

  53. Hi Hannelie

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Transplanting any plant is a risky process as it will involve root disturbance that may affect the tree. Is is always important to consider the size of the tree as larger trees are more difficult to move and require machinery to do so.

    Flourish!
    Glencie

  55. Hi Lisa

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    The lifespan of any plant species will vary vastly depending on the growing conditions and environmental factors it is exposed to.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  57. Hi Jeanette

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    There are a number of shade trees which you can consider, but please first research the full-grown and view that in relation to the size of your property and the distance you’ll be planting it from any structures.

    Some fast-growing shade trees are:
    – Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild plum)
    – Senegalia galpinii (Monkey thorn)
    – Celtis africana (White stinkwood)
    – Kiggelaria africana (Wild peach)
    – Ekebergia capensis (Cape ash)

    Note that all trees produce flowers, however the ones listed above have tiny, non-showy flowers.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  58. Good day
    I stay in Centurion Gauteng and would like to plant a tree as we have removed one in our yard
    What would you suggest
    I want something for shade, fast grower and preferably no flowers

  59. Hi Wilhelm

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Your tree could be experiencing some form of stress. Given the recent rains experienced in Gauteng, your tree may be reacting to poorly drained soil.

    Something else to consider – these trees are also susceptible to the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB), so it may be worthwhile to have an arborist inspect your tree for possible infection.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  60. I .ive in Northcliff gauteng
    The tree is more then 25 years old
    what is strange that the yellow leaves are dropping right trough summer
    Is it normal or could be a disease

  61. Hi JP

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    It is quite tricky to distinguish the differences so I suggest you take a cutting along with a picture of the bark to your nearest botanical garden or a reputable nursery for assistance.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  62. I’ve bought a tree that was labelled as a white stinkwood, but now I’m not sure any more whether this actually is the “ware Jakob”.

    Do you perhaps have any tips on how to distinguish between Celtis africana and Celtis sinensis?
    I’ve tried looking at the leaves, specifically their veins and serrations, but I’ll admit, I am an amateur gardener and I’m still not sure.

  63. Hi Lindie

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Woolly aphids tend to thrive in densely canopies and moist conditions.

    I’d recommend contacting your local arborist/landscaper/nursery to inspect your property and propose a solution as this situation may be unique to your space.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  64. Hi Greta

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Unfortunately, we cannot provide definitive advice on your situation for the following reasons:

    – The diameter of any species will vary quite significantly, depending on its growing conditions;
    – The properties and problem tree need to be physically examined in order to assess the situation.

    I would recommend you contact an arborist to view the situation in order for you and your neighbour to reach an agreement on the necessary actions.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  65. I have a huge investigation of Shivaphis celti in my garden and is starting to affect even the large trees. The bugs are flying around like snow in my yard. I can not find a way to control it and do not want to use chemical pesticides. I live in Sasolburg. Can somebody give me some advice?. If this bug starting to affect the large trees, how long before it gets out of control. As I understand this bug was only discovered in SA in 2018.

  66. Hi, I need confirmation about the diameter from a White stinkwood tree once its grown at about 10 – 15 Meters ?
    My neighbour on the left has lost there tree from about 25 years after heavy stormy winds end 2019. The wind blew it onto his roof ! Now Im worried as the other neighbour of me the lady has planted on at about 1m away from the corner of me and 2 other neighbours. The one has a garage roof about 1m from the wall the one behind me a swimming pool and me just scrubs along the wall. I would not like to have all those leaves in my garden firstly and secondly with the strong winds we are having now a days that the concrete wall might be damaged when it is blown over etc. I would like to have all the stats before going out and speak to my previous neighbours daughter about it. While the tree is recently planted I think she still has a chance to move it away more to the centre of her back yard away from the possible damages for which she would be liable should something happen.

  67. Hi Jilly

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Many urban Celtis trees are being targeted by the Asian woolly hackberry aphid (Shivaphis celti). Spraying the tree may harm beneficial insects, so I would not recommend that.

    Perhaps contact an arborist to inspect your tree as they may have a solution to help save it.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  68. Hi there

    Our Celtis Africana is not doing well. We live in Protea Valley in the WC, our tree is probably 28 years old and 15 meters tall.

    We noticed recently that the leaves are very sticky, have white powdery mildew and black soot all over. The leaves on the branches on the south side of the tree seem to be smaller with an abundance of berries and leaves are yellowing, could this be a stress issue?

    Walking through the neighbourhood I have noticed all the trees have the same disease, what do you think is causing this and do you have a solution besides removing it. We have yellow woods in the garden as well and would hate them to be infected although there is no sign of any disease on them as yet.

    Please can you help? Thank you Jilly

  69. Hi Izelle

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Transplanting any plant is always risky as some of the root ball will be destroyed in the process.

    As Celtis africana is deciduous, it is best to transplant in winter when the plant is dormant and the chance of transplant shock is lower.

    The key is to prepare a good-sized planting hole before digging the plant out. Make sure to add lots of compost and an organic fertiliser.
    Dig out as much of the root ball as possible, taking the surrounding soil with.

    Ensure the plant is well-watered, daily, for about 2 months after transplanting.

    All the best.

    Glenice

  70. I just need to know if a 2m high celtis africana can be dug up and replanted? If so, what advice can you give with the process?

  72. Hi Pavlina

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    It’s never a wise idea to cut a part of a tree trunk to restrict the growth as this weakens the plant and exposes it to possible disease and subsequently death.

    Perhaps get a construction expert and an arborist to view the scenario and they may be able to propose a suitable solution.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  73. Hi! We have a mature stinkwood tree that kept growing bigger and started to press hard against the side of our deck.We have a conservatory on top of the deck structure and it’s a big concern. We love our tree and as a last resort if there’s a safe way to trim from the trunk and seal it after with something to preserve it , maybe it will heal and survive ? We would do that rather than actually having it taken down. Any advice would be much appreciated!

  74. Hi Carol

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    It sounds like your tree is suffering from transplant shock and still needs to settle into its new environment.

    Very often larger trees such as your 250l one experience more severe transplant shock as the conditions in which it was growing previously are not exactly the same as its new location. It it’s still showing growth, and generally healthy, you don’t need to worry. Otherwise, speak to the nursery that supplied it.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  75. Thank you for your wonderful website. I have used it extensively. I planted a 250l Celtis in April before the wet season (I am in CT). When the new leaves appeared in spring we realised it is a hybrid (Africana x Sinensis). I have made peace with this although did very specifically purchase an Africana. The tree has grown at a rate of knots. In the last month however the leaves are all drooping. The tree is otherwise healthy – the leaves are all a rich green and the tree continues to grow fast. There is no leaf dropping or discolouration. The soil around the tree appears to be draining well. The drooping leaves do not change after watering or after a dry period, a windy or calm period. There is the odd leaf that has been bitten – small holes in the middle of the leaf – but not many. Do you know what could be causing the drooping? Is it a concern? Many thanks for your time.

  76. Hi Jeannie

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Transplanting any plant is risky and the key is to dig out as much of the root ball as possible.

    As Celtis africana is deciduous, it is best to carry out the transplant in winter when the plant is dormant and is less likely to experience transplant shock.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  78. Hi Don

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Yes, stinkwood trees, both indigenous and exotic have been affected by the shot-hole borer.

    It would be best to consult with an arborist to carry out a preventative spraying.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  79. Do stink wood trees host shot- hole borer beetles? If so what can be done to eradicate them from a very healthy and mature tree?

  80. Hi Trish

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Wow! This is an awesome undertaking.

    Here are a few tips to assist with your tree planting:

    – Dig a saucer-shaped hole as deep as the root ball and 2-3 times wider than the width of the root ball.
    – Remove the tree from the container.
    – Place the tree at the proper height. If the tree is planted too deep, new roots will have difficulty developing because of a lack of oxygen.
    – Straighten the tree in the hole.
    – Backfill the hole, gently with compost-enriched soil, bonemeal and an organic fertiliser.
    – Stake the tree, if necessary.
    – Mulch the base of the tree.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  81. Please can Y assist us to have the right method of planting 1000 White Stinkwood Trees on our Farm in the Standerton Area near the Vaal River Thankyou in. Advance

  82. Hi Stan

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Garden trees tend to suffer from all the pampering we give them, such as fertiliser and over-watering, making them susceptible to pests not normally found on wild specimens.

    You may need the services of an arborist to inspect your trees and advise accordingly.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  83. I’ve just become aware of the sticky black goo issue and it is becoming an epidemic in Fourways Gardens where I live. There are literally hundreds of stinkwoods throughout the estate and I would guess around 80% are infected. I agree that pesticides would be devastating to birds and benign insect species, but does anyone know what can be done? It would be a tragedy to lose our urban forest

  85. Hi,

    We also have a problem with a “glue-like substance” dripping from our white stinkwood trees and it is due to Asian woolly hackberry aphid (Shivaphis celti) “infection”.

    http://www.arc.agric.za/Documents/BannerPdfs/Archive/Ian%20Millar%20-%20Woolly%20aphid%20on%20white%20stinkwood.pdf

    http://www.arc.agric.za/arc-ppri/Newsletter%20Library/PPRI%20News,%20No%20109,%20October%202016-March%202017.pdf

    Recommendation is not to use pesticides due to collateral damage to beneficial organisms.

    Good luck

    ROnnie

  86. Hi Mia

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    “Sticky dust” could be pollen, but the trees should have finished flowering in November.

    Perhaps your tree is hosting some sap-feeding insects like aphids. Check the foliage for any signs of this. It shouldn’t last longer than a couple of months before the insects move on or become prey to your local bird population.

    Celtis africana is a host plant to at least two species of butterfly, so avoid any chemical intervention.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  87. Hi there,
    Does the Celtis africana ‘mess’ a glue-like substance (sticky dust!) on anything close or under it? The water tanks close by is dark and sticky!!

  88. Hi Jonathan

    Thanks for visiting our site.

    It sounds like your tree is undergoing some sort of stress.

    Celtis africana is usually very hardy once established, so I’m not sure what could be affecting it. Perhaps take a sample of the leaves to your nearest botanical gardens or nursery for assistance. Also have a look at the bark for signs of attack from a pest.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  89. Hi.
    I need some assistance with a wit stinkhout that loooks a bid sick. There are 3 of them in cloce procimity with each other bit one of them is sick. Leaves are dying and yellow looks like wit stood in a fire but the other two looks fine no problems and going good. The sick one is not growing at this stage and leaves are falling down. Ots not a young tree and the stemm is aprocimitly 100 in diameter. I can sent photos if needed. I really want to save this tree

  90. Hi Debbie

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    You may consider one of the following trees for your conditions:

    – Dais cotinifolia (Pompon tree)
    – Halleria lucida (Tree fuschia)
    – Diospyros lycioides (Blue bush)

    Also check with your local nursery as they may have useful information on species that are suitable for your area.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  91. I need a small tree for townhouse in Port elizabeth. The ground is clay and of course wind could be a problem. Thank you Debbie

  92. Hi Inge

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Transplants are always tricky as the plant will go through shock through root disturbance.

    The best time for a transplant is in a plant’s dormant period – i.e. winter.

    Remember to take as much of the root ball as possible.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  93. Hi there.
    What do you think would be the success rate of replanting a celtis africana that is about 3m tall already? They are in the ground, not in bags

    Thank you

  94. Hi Lobone

    Welcome to the “stinky family”!

    If your tree is planted in the ground, controlling the shape and size will be quite a challenge in years to come and your tree may end up looking a little disfigured from the interference to its natural growth.

    If you need a smaller tree, rather choose one that has a smaller form. If this is the case, visit http://www.groundedlandscaping.co.za/top-10-trees-to-plant-in-a-small-garden/ for some suggested species.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  95. Hi Glenice
    Just joined the stinky family and would like to shape her into a medium-sized shade tree, not too tall and not too small either. Should I keep nipping and trimming her to the shape and size I desire?

    Regards
    Lobone

  96. Morning thank you so much.. For ur help stinky is repotted thank you so much so nice knowing i can come to a place and get the help i need have a Blessed day

  97. Hi Ryan

    It’s best to repot while it’s dormant.
    Since Stinky hasn’t any new leaves yet, you can safely repot.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  98. Hi ma am so sorry to bug u was wanting to ask when is the best time to repot white stinkwood… Some say when buds swell others say July so now im not sure stinky has not started getting leaves yet. Kind regards Ryan

  100. Thanks so much my stinky as i call her is better now i used garden rip cord twice and i have not had any more worms she is in her winter stage so all her leaves are of thank u for ur reply

  101. Hi Ryan

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    The worms could be butterfly larvae. Perhaps take a sample to your local nursery and they may be able to identify them for you.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  102. could someone please help i found tiny white worms on my white stinkwood bonsai would any one of hand know what they are? kind regards Ryan

  103. Hi Wouter

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Unfortunately my Afrikaans isn’t so good, so I’ll respond in English.

    Yes, Celtis africana is lovely in a medium or large garden. Likewise, C. australis is a stunning specimen which, for some reason, wasn’t introduced to South Africa and isn’t available commercially.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  104. `n Baie nuttige boom om te hê in enige medium tot groot tuin!
    Weet u hoeveel hierdie spesie verskil van C. australis was so algemeen as straatboom gebruik word in Europa?
    In Frankryk en Spanje sien mens die mooiste eksemplare, dit blyk asof C. australis `n mooier vorm het en `n langer hoofstam vorm as C.africana
    Ek hoor graag u opinie hieroor.
    Groete uit Durbanville, Weskaap

  105. Hi Lorraine

    The roots of the indigenous Celtis africana are not as aggressive as the exotic Celtis sinensis which is very common in Gauteng.

    However, avoid planting it less than 6m from any building or paved areas to prevent damage.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

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