Elm: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants in the family Ulmaceae}} | |||
{{Taxobox | |||
| name = Elm | |||
| image = East_Coker_elm,_2.jpg | |||
| image_caption = Elm tree | |||
| regnum = Plantae | |||
| unranked_divisio = Angiosperms | |||
| unranked_classis = Eudicots | |||
| unranked_ordo = Rosids | |||
| ordo = Rosales | |||
| familia = Ulmaceae | |||
| genus = ''Ulmus'' | |||
| genus_authority = L. | |||
}} | |||
'''Elms''' are deciduous and semi-deciduous trees comprising the flowering plant genus '''''Ulmus''''', in the plant family [[Ulmaceae]]. The genus first appeared in the Miocene period about 40 million years ago, originating in central Asia. These trees have spread across the Northern Hemisphere, from North America to Europe and Asia. | |||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
Elms are | Elms are known for their distinctive vase-like shape and their serrated leaves. The leaves are typically arranged in two rows along the branches and are simple, with an asymmetrical base and a doubly serrated margin. | ||
[[File:Ulmus_glabra.jpg|thumb|left|Elm leaves]] | |||
The flowers of the elm are small and inconspicuous, appearing in early spring before the leaves. They are wind-pollinated and form in clusters. The fruit is a samara, a type of winged seed that is dispersed by the wind. | |||
[[File:Columella_flowers.jpg|thumb|right|Elm flowers]] | |||
==Species== | ==Species== | ||
There are about 30 to 40 species of | There are about 30 to 40 species of elms, with the most notable being: | ||
* ''[[Ulmus americana]]'' - American Elm | |||
* ''[[Ulmus glabra]]'' - Wych Elm | |||
* ''[[Ulmus rubra]]'' - Slippery Elm | |||
* ''[[Ulmus minor]]'' - Field Elm | |||
* ''[[Ulmus parvifolia]]'' - Chinese Elm | |||
[[File:Ulmus_rubra_leaf.jpg|thumb|left|Slippery Elm leaf]] | |||
==Distribution and Habitat== | |||
Elms are found in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, floodplains, and forests. They are adaptable to different soil types and climates, which has allowed them to spread widely across the Northern Hemisphere. | |||
==Uses== | ==Uses== | ||
Elms have been used for various purposes throughout history. The wood is valued for its strength and resistance to splitting, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, and boat building. Elm bark has also been used in traditional medicine. | |||
==Diseases== | ==Diseases== | ||
Elms are susceptible to | Elms are susceptible to several diseases, the most notorious being [[Dutch elm disease]], caused by a fungus spread by bark beetles. This disease has devastated elm populations in Europe and North America. | ||
==Conservation== | ==Conservation== | ||
Efforts to conserve | Efforts are underway to conserve elm species and develop disease-resistant varieties. Breeding programs have produced hybrids such as ''Sapporo Autumn Gold'' that show resistance to Dutch elm disease. | ||
[[File:Sapporo_Autumn_Gold,_Florence.jpg|thumb|right|Sapporo Autumn Gold Elm]] | |||
== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[Dutch elm disease]] | |||
* [[Dutch | * [[Ulmaceae]] | ||
* [[ | * [[List of elm species]] | ||
* [[ | |||
[[Category: | [[Category:Ulmaceae]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Trees of the Northern Hemisphere]] | ||
[[Category:Garden plants]] | |||
Latest revision as of 18:56, 23 March 2025
Genus of flowering plants in the family Ulmaceae
Elms are deciduous and semi-deciduous trees comprising the flowering plant genus Ulmus, in the plant family Ulmaceae. The genus first appeared in the Miocene period about 40 million years ago, originating in central Asia. These trees have spread across the Northern Hemisphere, from North America to Europe and Asia.
Description[edit]
Elms are known for their distinctive vase-like shape and their serrated leaves. The leaves are typically arranged in two rows along the branches and are simple, with an asymmetrical base and a doubly serrated margin.
The flowers of the elm are small and inconspicuous, appearing in early spring before the leaves. They are wind-pollinated and form in clusters. The fruit is a samara, a type of winged seed that is dispersed by the wind.
Species[edit]
There are about 30 to 40 species of elms, with the most notable being:
- Ulmus americana - American Elm
- Ulmus glabra - Wych Elm
- Ulmus rubra - Slippery Elm
- Ulmus minor - Field Elm
- Ulmus parvifolia - Chinese Elm
Distribution and Habitat[edit]
Elms are found in a variety of habitats, including riverbanks, floodplains, and forests. They are adaptable to different soil types and climates, which has allowed them to spread widely across the Northern Hemisphere.
Uses[edit]
Elms have been used for various purposes throughout history. The wood is valued for its strength and resistance to splitting, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, and boat building. Elm bark has also been used in traditional medicine.
Diseases[edit]
Elms are susceptible to several diseases, the most notorious being Dutch elm disease, caused by a fungus spread by bark beetles. This disease has devastated elm populations in Europe and North America.
Conservation[edit]
Efforts are underway to conserve elm species and develop disease-resistant varieties. Breeding programs have produced hybrids such as Sapporo Autumn Gold that show resistance to Dutch elm disease.
