It is true. The hackberry It is one of the trees most used to decorate the streets, thus greening cities and towns that enjoy a temperate climate, which is why it is a plant that we see very often.
It is so common that it is rarely seen in gardens, precisely for this reason. But when you are looking for a rustic species that grows fast and also provides good shade, it is one of the best options.
Hackberry characteristics
The hackberry, also known by the names of Almecino / a, Latonero, Lodoño, Lidón or Lironero, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Ulmaceae family and whose scientific name is Southern Celts. It has a rapid growth rate, being able to reach 25 meters in height and a diameter of up to 10 meters. Its leaves are oval, dark green, and with a slightly serrated edge. Its flowers are hermaphroditic, so that a single tree can produce seeds without the need for another nearby. The fruit is an edible drupe, green at first that turns dark brown or black when ripe.
Originally from the Mediterranean Region, it grows in places where temperatures can reach a maximum of 40ºC and a minimum of -17ºC.
Cultivation and uses
Its cultivation is relatively simple, so in a short time you can have a very interesting specimen in the garden. You just have to keep in mind that it is a species that it has to be planted in full sunpreferably in limestone soils, and that it has to be watered regularlyabout 2 or 3 times a week, so that it has an excellent development.
Thus, in less than you expect you can enjoy its magnificent medicinal properties. Yes, yes, the tree that we see every day in the streets is medicinal. In fact, it is astringent, soothing, antidiarrheal y stomach. Also, the fruits are used to make jams.
If you dare to grow one in your garden, take the seeds once they are ripe, and sow them in spring in pots with universal growing substrate. In just two weeks, even less, they will start to germinate .
