Celtis tetrandra aka Nilgiri Elm

Celtis tetrandra is a tree in the hemp family, Cannabaceae. Its native range runs from northern Pakistan to southern China and western Malesia. It grows across parts of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. Its range includes Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Kew places it in tropical and subtropical climates. People gather it from the wild for food, medicine and wood.

Sources give a usual height of about 66 feet [20 metres]. Larger trees can reach 98 feet [30 metres]. The trunk can reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. The sources disagree on whether the tree keeps its leaves. Useful Tropical Plants calls it evergreen, while PFAF calls it deciduous. PFAF suggests it for the canopy layer of a woodland garden. Its large size makes space an important part of site choice.

PFAF records flowers in April and ripe seeds in October. The flowers have both male and female parts. Bees pollinate them. The fruit measures up to 0.3 inches across. Each fruit holds one large seed, about 0.2 inches wide. PFAF lists the raw fruit as edible, with a pleasant, mealy taste. It gives the fruit a modest food rating. Neither source reports known hazards, but this does not establish safety for pets or every plant part.

In the wild, this tree grows in mixed forests, valleys and on slopes. It also grows beside terraced fields in Nepal. PFAF lists sandy and loamy soils as suitable, with good drainage. It reports tolerance of poor soil and mildly acid to mildly alkaline conditions. Its species summary calls for sun rather than shade. It lists dry or moist soil and some drought tolerance. Useful Tropical Plants reports brief survival at 14°F [-10°C] where summers are hot. PFAF remains unsure about its hardiness in Britain.

The wood combines strength, toughness and flex, and people use it for oars and tool handles. It also serves as fuel. Traditional medicine uses juice from the seeds for indigestion. This record of use does not show that treatment works. Useful Tropical Plants reports a 2018 IUCN status of Least Concern. It cites a broad range and large population, with no major threats identified.