Celtis africana, commonly known as White Stinkwood, is a deciduous tree native to a variety of habitats including riverine forests, forest margins, and savannahs in southern and eastern Africa. It can reach up to 82 feet (25 meters) in height in forested areas, while in more open habitats it often forms a dense, hemispherical canopy. The White Stinkwood is characterized by its pale grey bark, which becomes deeply furrowed with age. It produces inconspicuous pale yellow flowers in spring, followed by small, round, berry-like fruits that turn yellow when ripe and are favored by birds. The foliage is lush and green, providing a dense shade.

White Stinkwood is valued for its adaptability to different environments, making it a popular choice for urban planting, street trees, and bird-friendly gardens. It is also used for reforestation and erosion control due to its extensive root system. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade, and while it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods. It thrives in well-drained soils and is relatively low-maintenance. Gardeners should be aware that the roots can be aggressive, potentially causing damage to nearby structures or pavements.CC BY-SA 4.0