Zelkova sicula

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Zelkova sicula
Zelkova sicula.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Ulmaceae
Genus: Zelkova
Species:
Z. sicula
Binomial name
Zelkova sicula
Di Pasq., Garfì & Quézel [2]

Zelkova sicula is a species of Zelkova in the family Ulmaceae, endemic to Sicily. [3]

Contents

Description

It is a deciduous shrub growing to 2–3 metres (7–10 ft) tall; its natural mature size is unknown, as all existing specimens have been heavily browsed by goats, limiting their growth. The leaves are oval, 10–50 millimetres (0.4–2.0 in) long and 5–35 mm (0.2–1.4 in) wide, with a petiole 1–4 mm (0.04–0.16 in) long; the margins are lobed, with 6–8 lobes on each side. [3] [4]

Conservation

The only known population, found in 1991, consists of 200–250 plants growing on the Monti Iblei area, in Buccheri, in southeast Sicily near Syracuse. This population are all thought to derive from possibly just one clone, or at the most only a very few distinct individuals. Its natural habitat is temperate forests and Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation. It is threatened by habitat loss. The IUCN list this species as Critically Endangered . [1]

Accessions

References

  1. 1 2 Garfì, G.; Pasta, S.; Fazan, L.; Kozlowski, G. (2017). "Zelkova sicula". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2017: e.T61678A86134112. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T61678A86134112.en . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. G. Di Pasquale; G. Garfì & P. Quézel (1992). "Sur la présence d'un Zelkova nouveau en Sicile sud-orientale". Biocosme Mésogéen. 8–9: 401–409.
  3. 1 2 Giuseppe Garfì (2006). "Zelkova sicula". IUCN Top 50 Campaign Mediterranean Island Plants. IUCN. Archived from the original on May 27, 2008.
  4. Keith D. Rushforth (1999). Trees of Britain and Europe. Collins. ISBN   0-00-220013-9.

Further reading