Ulmus mexicana
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Ulmus mexicana, the Mexican elm, is a large tree endemic to Mexico and Central America. It is most commonly found in cloud forest and the higher elevations (Template:Cvt) of tropical rain forest with precipitation levels of Template:Cvt per year,[1] ranging from San Luis Potosi south to Chiapas in Mexico, and from Guatemala to Panama beyond. The tree was first described botanically in 1873.[2]
Description
Ulmus mexicana is one of the tallest elm species, occasionally reaching a height of Template:Cvt, and a d.b.h. of 2.5 m (8 feet), certainly one of the tallest trees in Mexico. The tree is also distinguished by its deeply fluted grey trunk, supporting a deep crown, its dense foliage casting a heavy shadow. The leaves vary widely in size from 3–16 cm in length by 2–7 cm breadth, elliptic to obovate, surface glossy, but dull on the underside, with petioles 5–10 mm long.[3] The tree has distinctive racemose inflorescences up to 7 cm in length comprising nine clusters of 40 perfect apetalous wind-pollinated flowers which emerge between December and February. The small samarae, 9.0 × 2.3 mm, are covered with long straight hairs, and are shed in March [4] [2]. Natural regeneration is poor.
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U. mexicana leaves, Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight, UK
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U. mexicana short and long shoots, Mexico
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U. mexicana foliage, Mexico
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U. mexicana bark, Mexico
Uses
Although much of its natural range is threatened by deforestation, the tree is singularly unpopular in the timber trade on account of its deeply fluted trunk, and thus not considered endangered. The timber is hard and heavy (Gs 0.55), but difficult to dry, and can warp badly. Moreover, its high silica content (0.35) damages tools. The wood is used for tools, furniture, and floors, whilst the foliage is commonly used as fodder for cattle. The tree is occasionally planted for shade or ornamentation.[1]
Etymology
In Costa Rica the Mexican elm is known as Tirrá; the neighbourhood (district) of Tirrases in Curridabat, San José, takes its name from the tree.
References
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- ↑ a b Moreira, I. & Arnaez, E. (2003) Ulmus mexicana (Liebm.) Planch., Tropical Tree Seed Manual, 770–771, RNGR, USDA Forest Service, USA. [1]
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- ↑ Todzia, C. A. & Panero, J. L. (2006). A new species of Ulmus (Ulmaceae) from southern Mexico and a synopsis of the species in Mexico. Brittonia, Vol 50, (3): 346
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External links
- https://web.archive.org/web/20060627090133/http://cloudbridge.org/trees/ulmus_mexicana.html The Mexican Elm in Costa Rica
Template:Elm species, varieties, hybrids, hybrid cultivars and species cultivars Template:Taxonbar
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- Ulmus
- Elm species and varieties
- Flora of Central America
- Flora of Costa Rica
- Flora of Guatemala
- Flora of Panama
- Trees of Central America
- Trees of Northern America
- Trees of Costa Rica
- Trees of Guatemala
- Trees of Panama
- Plants described in 1873
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- Cloud forest flora of Mexico
- Flora of the Central American montane forests
- Flora of the Sierra Madre Oriental
- Flora of the Sierra Madre de Oaxaca
- Flora of the Sierra Madre del Sur