Ulmus carpinifolia Gleditsch. – Family: Ulmaceae

General Characteristics

A deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall, with glossy bark when young and rough bark with age. 

The leaves are deciduous, simple, alternate, oval, pointed, asymmetrical at the base, with tufts of white hairs near the veins on the lower surface. 

The flowers are hermaphroditic, grouped in inflorescences, with red anthers, blooming before the leaves appear. 

The fruits are ochraceous samaras at maturity, obovate, up to 2.5 cm long, with seeds located near the apex, touching the hollow of the wing.

USES

The wood was used to make the spokes of cartwheels and as stakes for vines.

CURIOSITIES

The spread of the fungus that causes Dutch elm disease has reduced its presence throughout the region.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

The species is native to southern-central Europe, the Caucasus, and the Mediterranean regions.