Celtis australis Linn: A Multipurpose Tree Species in North West Himalaya

Abstract

Celtis australis Linn. (Local names- Kharik, Khrik, family Ulmaceae) is an indigenous species of the Western Himalaya. It grows well at 500-2500 m asl. Celtis is a truly multipurpose tree grown for fodder, fuel, timber and various other uses in or around agricultural fields in rainfed agriculture and plays a vital role in socioeconomic structure of hill people. It can be raised in rainfed agricultural lands, degraded lands, wastelands and could be managed in the form of energy plantation, silvipastoral and agri-horti systems. C. australis is a promising multipurpose tree species