Oct. 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S. W. 793 



The Water Elms ( Flanera and Zelkova). 



1. Planer a aquaficn, Gmelin. The Water Elm of the United States- 

 figured at t. 316 of Sargent's woik. 



A tree of medium size, native of deep swamps in the Central United States. 

 Comparatively rare and confined to the neighbourhood of the coast in the 

 Atlantic and Eastern Gulf States. The Water Elm is very al^undant in 

 Western Louisiana and Southern Arkansas, where it attains its largest size 

 (Sargent). Deciduous. 



It does not appear to be of economic importance, but it is an interesting 

 tree suitable for cultivation in swampy country in the warmer parts of New 

 South Wales, and indeed up to a moderate elevation. 



1. Zelkova acuminata, Planch. (<%«. Planera acuminata, Lindl.) Native 

 of Japan. Deciduous. 



A small tree with us, in a damp situation ; a very old plant, and we cannot 

 speak much in regard to one specimen, l)ut it is certainly worthy of trial in 

 cold, moist districts. 



L 19. 



2, ^. crewa^a, Spach. {PJaihera Richardi,M.ic\vAMx.) The foliage strongly 

 resembles the Elm, but the l)ark more resembles that of the Plane than that 

 of the Elm. This and Planera may be grafted on the Elm (Treasury o/ 

 Botany). Mueller (Select Extra Tropical Plants) givefi the following account 

 of it : — " South- Western Asia, ascending to 5,000 feet. In favourable localities 

 a good sized tree, with qualities resembling those of the Elms. Growth of 

 comparative celerity. Wood never infested by insects, also otherwise very 

 durable, fine-grained, heavy and hard." 



It forms a small tree with us, but it is in rather a well-drained situation. 



The allied Z. cretica, Spach, is restricted to South Europe. Resists severe 

 frosts. Its tendency to form straight and tall stems and few and short 

 branches is evident. Attains an age over 200 years ; rate of growth about 

 2 feet a year. The wood is pale yellowish and streaked, tough and elastic, 

 neither rends nor warps, also under ground the wood is almost imperishable. 

 Medwedieff calls this tree the Pearl of the Caucasian forests. The propaga- 

 tion is either from seeds, or layers, or cuttings. (H. Scharrer.) 



U near D 2. 



The Nettle trees (Celfis). 



1. Geltis australis, L. 



The Nettle-tree of Europe. Native of South Europe, North Afi'ica, and 

 South Asia. The specific name australis means " Southern" and only 

 secondarily " Australian." 



A tree of medium height, with smooth trunk and long flexible branches. 



The tree is deciduous, and the small greenish tiowers are produced at the 

 same time as the leaves. 



In New South Wales it stands dry and cold as well as hot situations, 

 imitating Grevillea rohnsta much in this respect. It is not cultivated for 

 avenues or specimen trees as frequently as its merits demand. It is a great 

 favourite for this purpose in France and Italy. 



