Biology
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Zelkova species have male and hermaphrodite flowers, which have both male and female reproductive organs (2). Since the flowers of the Cretan zelkova are scented, pollination is thought to be performed by insects, attracted by the scent. The fruit of trees belonging to the Ulmaceae family vary, and include nuts, samaras and drupes, all containing a single seed (7). The Cretan zelkova is known to be capable of suckering, a form of propagation where new shoots at the base or below ground grow out from the parent plant to produce an individual that is a clone of the parent (1).
Conservation
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There are currently no conservation measures in place that target this species.
Description
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This small to medium-sized tree (1) is strongly branched (3), creating an expansive, bushy crown of leaves that extends down close to the ground. The small green leaves have rounded, serrated edges (4), and the tree's petite flowers are scented (5).
Habitat
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Found on rocky mountain slopes (2), where the species dominates matorral habitat (areas of woody plants, shrubs or trees) (6).
Range
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Endemic to the Greek island of Crete. Found in small numbers in 15 to 20 localities on the three main mountain massifs, particularly at the southeast corner of the Omalós Plain (1).
Status
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Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List 2006 (1).
Threats
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Across Europe, the development of agriculture, and later urbanisation and industrialisation, has caused the modification of land use and the widespread destruction of relic forests (8). The few remaining in Crete that contained Cretan zelkova were then dramatically impacted by grazing goats (1). However, this threat has declined over the past 80 years and, fortunately, the species manages to regenerate well by suckering (1).
Zelkova abelicea
provided by wikipedia EN
Zelkova abelicea is a species of tree in the family Ulmaceae.[3][4] It is referred to by the common names Cretan zelkova, and on Crete proper as abelitsia (αμπελιτσιά). It is endemic to Crete.[2] It is found in small numbers and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN red list of endangered species.
Growth habit
It is a medium-sized tree that grows from 3 m (10 ft) to 5 m (16 ft) tall. The tree is strongly branched resulting in a dense, crown shaped habit that extends close to the ground. The leaves are small and green with serrated edges. Z. abelicea produces perfect hermaphroditic flowers which are small and scented, and pollination is therefore thought to be achieved by insects.
This species is capable of suckering, a form of reproduction where new shoots arise from an existing root system rather than from a seed. Natural regeneration by seed is rarely seen. Root cutting seem to show a 50% success rate, though best results may be seen in the cuttings taken from late August. Branch cutting of young shoots also root with moderate success when taken in late mid to late summer. This species is usually found on rocky, mountainous areas at altitudes between 850 and 1,800 m (2,790 and 5,910 ft).
Shepherd's crook
Because of its tough nature, it was formerly the most preferred wood for making the traditional Cretan shepherd's versatile crook Greek: katsouna. Today it is forbidden by law to use Z. abelitsia for making a shepherd's crook, since it is made of an entire young tree.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species endangered (EN) – very high risk of extinction in the wild. The species is threatened by urbanization, habitat loss, overgrazing, and wildfires. Recent fieldwork seems to show that Z. abelicea is becoming more abundant.
Accessions
Europe
References
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Zelkova abelicea: Brief Summary
provided by wikipedia EN
Zelkova abelicea is a species of tree in the family Ulmaceae. It is referred to by the common names Cretan zelkova, and on Crete proper as abelitsia (αμπελιτσιά). It is endemic to Crete. It is found in small numbers and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN red list of endangered species.
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- copyright
- Wikipedia authors and editors
