European nettle tree, whose botanical name is celtis australis, is a deciduous tree native to southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. It is also known as the Mediterranean hackberry, lote tree, or honeyberry.
In cold climates, this tree typically grows to about 10 meters. In warmer climates, however, it may grow up to 25 meters.
The leaves are a rich source of flavonoid C-glycosides. And the young leaves of this tree from northern Italy have been found to contain the highest amount of phenols per gram dry weight.
In ancient times, Herodotus, Dioscorides and Theophrastus regarded this tree as an ancient lotus and described its fruits as sweet, pleasant and beneficial.
Ref:
 |  |