Elm Tree

Distinctive features

1. The leaves grow not in symmetry, they grow asymmetrically.

2. Flowers are in clusters or tight groups and are mainly dark pink with red ends.

3. Fruits in clusters of green, circular plates with a seed in the centre.

To remember the distinctive and main features of an elm tree, use the following mnemonic:

Elm should remind you of Elmo the red monster from Sesame Street. See Elmo standing with a patch over one eye, now Elmo is no longer symmetrical (leaves grow asymmetrically). See Elmo hold up a fist which is similar to the flower clusters (flowers are pink with dark red ends). Elmo is painting green plates with a blob in the middle (fruits are green, circular plates with a seed in the middle.) See all the cluster of paintings completed in the corner (flowers/seeds are in clusters).

Note: The fruit and seeds are called samara.

To remember that the fruit and seeds are called samara, use the following mnemonic:

This samurai (samara) likes to buy all Elmo's paintings for his house.

Main Features of an Elm Tree.

1. The most distinctive feature of an elm tree is that the leaves grow out of the twigs not in symmetry. They grow alternately down the twig. They have asymmetrical growth.

2. Elm tree flowers grow in clusters or tight groups. The flowers are mainly dark pink with dark red tips. The flowers have no petals because they were wind pollinated and have no need to attract animals with bright colourful petals.

3.The seeds of the elm tree are fruits because they can be eaten. The flowers develop into clusters or tight groups of green circular plates with a seed in the centre.

4. The Elm tree.