Holoptelea integrifolia

Holoptelea integrifolia, the Indian elm or jungle cork tree,[2] is a species of tree in the family Ulmaceae, and a close relative to the true elms (Ulmus). It is native to most of Indian subcontinent, Indo-China and Myanmar. It is found mostly on plains but also in mountains on elevations up to 1100 m.

Holoptelea integrifolia
At Amravati, India
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Ulmaceae
Genus: Holoptelea
Species:
H. integrifolia
Binomial name
Holoptelea integrifolia
Synonyms[1]
  • Ulmus integrifolia Roxb.

Description

The Indian elm is a large deciduous tree, about 20–25 m tall (rarely over 30 m), with a broad crown featuring several ascending branches. Bark is grey in colour, covered with blisters, peeling in corky scales on old trees. Leaves are alternately arranged, elliptic-ovate in shape, 8–13 cm long and 3–6.5 cm wide, smooth, with entire margins (occasionally toothed), and a pointed tip. Leaf base is rounded or heart-shaped. Stipules are lance-shaped. Crushed leaves emit an unpleasant odour. Flowers are small, greenish-yellow to brownish, pubescent, borne in short racemes or fascicles at the scars of fallen leaves. Sepals are velvety, often 4. Fruit is a circular samara, 2.5 cm in diameter, with membranous, net-veined wings, and flat seed.

Cultivation and uses

Holoptelea integrifolia is used for timber which makes cheap furniture and also used as firewood in rural parts. It is also used in ecological forestry for its heat and drought tolerance and regenerative abilities. Its flowers, leaves and bark have medicinal uses against several diseases.

  • 18th century illustration flora of the coast of Coromandel Coast India Plants
    18th century illustration flora of the coast of Coromandel Coast India Plants
  • Holoptelea integrifolia leaf in Akola, India
    Holoptelea integrifolia leaf in Akola, India
  • A mature Indian elm tree in fall
    A mature Indian elm tree in fall
  • Bark
    Bark
  • Flower
    Flower
  • Unripe fruit
    Unripe fruit
  • Ripe fruit
    Ripe fruit

References
  1. "Holoptelea integrifolia". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
  2. "Holoptelea integrifolia". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
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