Elm: A powerful tree that is at risk of extinction
The elm is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. The elm belongs to the elm family (Ulmaceae) and can be up to 400 years old.
- Elm have asymmetrical leaves in the shape of a heart. The flowers are hermaphrodite – i.e. both male and female at the same time, and grow in clumps that consist of many individual flowers.
- Elm trees occur mainly in forests, thickets, riparian forests and river valleys on nutrient-rich (clay)soils.
- For a century the mighty tree threatens to disappear from our map. The reason is that, in 1918, was from Asia, a fungus introduced, which clogs the vessels of the elm. As a result, the water supply is interrupted. The dramatic consequence: First, the leaves wilt, then the Branches and finally of the whole tree to die.
- In the meantime, the elm is dying progressed so far that some resources are the European elm species in danger to disappear completely. To save a way to the elms, has not yet been found.
Elm Allergy: Rare, but possible
An elm Allergy occurs very rarely. However, it is not excluded also.
- In the case of the elm, it is a wind pollinating tree. The allergenic importance of elm is classified as extremely low. In addition, because of the fungus and other pest infestations, a decline in the number of elm trees. As a result, the importance of the elm tree for people with allergies is weakened once again.
- The flowering time - say, Pollen - elm is from March to April, i.e. long before the Leaf growth.
- The time of fruit ripening from may to June.
- Cross-allergies are at an elm Allergy, none known.
The distinctive leaves of an elm tree - here, of a mountain elm
(Image: Pixabay)
Three elm species in Europe
In Europe, there are three elm species.
- Mountain elm: The mountain elm tree is characterized by a lack of a petiole, a leaf tip, as well as by the lack of a pedicel from. The seeds sit outside the wing mid-point. Characteristic is also the wing-like fused Branches are to be made, so-called Cork. Wych elm can be up to 40 meters high. The trunk reaches a diameter of three meters.
- European white elm: For the European white elm are a short petiole, several leaf tips, as well as a short flower stalk is characteristic. The seeds are in the middle of the wing. Elm can grow up to 35 meters in height. The flutter elm was appointed by the Dr. Silvius Wodarz Foundation of the tree of the year 2019.
- The elm: The field elm has a long petiole, a blade tip, and a long flower stalk. The fruit has fine hairs along the wing margin. Field of up to 40 meters elm high. The trunk diameter can be up to three meters.
