Close-ups of Maltese nature (58)
The Hoary Elm
The Hoary Elm, also known as Mediterranean Elm and the Grey-leaved Elm, which is known in Maltese as in-Nemmiesa or l-Ulmu, is characteristically found in the remnants of our riparian woodlands, which are wooded areas found close to water streams. This elm, known scientifically as Ulmus canescens is native of the Mediterranean region including Malta.
With an unsmooth bark and whitish twigs, this tree can grow to a height of around 20 metres. Its distinctive leaves are toothed, oval to elliptical in shape and asymmetrical at their base. This foliage is covered with tiny hairs bestowing it a greenish-grey hue.
The Hoary Elm is deciduous and sheds leaves in late autumn; before the new leaves grow its small flowers appear in clusters. These flowers, which are hermaphrodite (having both female and male organs on the same flower), bear purple stamens.
Its fruits consist of a flattened wing of fibrous tissue with the seed at its centre, known as samarae (singular: samara). And interestingly, the shape of a samara enables the wind to transport the seed further away from the parent tree and the seed to float on water; both are adaptations for more efficient dispersal.
This elm species, together with some other elm trees, is a strictly protected tree under national legislation; hence one should not prune, fell or uproot this tree without previously obtaining the necessary permits from the competent authorities.
Ulmus canescens is a very rare and endangered tree species, due to the need of a constant supply of water; such habitats are very rare and have a restricted distribution on our islands.
Mepa is helping to protect this tree and its rare habitat through the designation of special areas of conservation.
More information may be obtained by e-mail: nature.requests@mepa.org.mt.
The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity.
Malta, together with many other countries around the globe, is carrying out a number of initiatives to celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity for our lives. We are all invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: Biodiversity.