Ulmaceae
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 Asymmetrical leaf base of Ulmus rubra
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Ampelocera Klotzsch |
Ulmaceae is a family of flowering plant that includes the elms (genus Ulmus) and the zelkovas (genus Zelkova). Members of the family are widely distributed throughout the north temperate zone, and have a scattered distribution elsewhere except for being absent as natives to Australasia.[1][2] The family is sometimes also treated to include the hackberries, (Celtis and allies), but analysis by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group members suggests that these genera are better placed in the related family Cannabaceae. The circumscription included in the taxobox is the one suggested by P. Stevens on his Missouri Botanical Garden Angiosperm Phylogeny Website and includes information from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Vascular Plant Families and Genera list.[2]
[edit] Description
The family is a group of evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs with mucilagenous substances in leaf and bark tissue. Leaves are usually alternate on the stems, sometimes distichous. The leaf blades are simple (not compound), with entire (smooth) or variously toothed margins, and often have an asymmetrical base. The flowers are small, and the fruit is an indehiscent samara, nut, or drupe. Ulmus provides important timber trees mostly for furniture, and U. rubra, the Slippery elm is a medicinal plant known for the demulcent property of its inner bark. Planera is also a timber species. Planera, Ulmus, and Zelkova are all grown as ornamental trees.
[edit] References
- ^ Watson, L.; Dallwitz, M. J. (1992 onwards). The Families of Flowering Plants: Ulmaceae Mirb.. Retrieved on 21 November 2006.
- ^ a b Stevens, P (2001 onwards). Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved on 21 November 2006.
