Ulmus mexicana

Ulmus mexicana is one of the tallest elm species, occasionally reaching a height of , and a d.b.h. of 2.5 m (8 feet), certainly one of the tallest trees in Mexico. The tree is also distinguished by its deeply fluted grey trunk, supporting a deep crown, its dense foliage casting a heavy shadow. The leaves vary widely in size from 3–16 cm in length by 2–7 cm breadth, elliptic to obovate, surface glossy, but dull on the underside, with petioles 5–10 mm long. The tree has distinctive racemose inflorescences up to 7 cm in length comprising nine clusters of 40 perfect apetalous wind-pollinated flowers which emerge between December and February. The small samarae, 9.0 × 2.3 mm, are covered with long straight hairs, and are shed in March . Natural regeneration is poor. Ulmus mexicana leaves.jpg|U. mexicana leaves, Ventnor Botanic Garden, Isle of Wight, UK File:Ulmus mexicana 1672770.jpg|U. mexicana short and long shoots, Mexico File:Ulmus mexicana 1660431.jpg|U. mexicana foliage, Mexico File:Ulmus mexicana 101422242.jpg|U. mexicana bark, Mexico ==Uses==

Although much of its natural range is threatened by deforestation, the tree is singularly unpopular in the timber trade on account of its deeply fluted trunk, and thus not considered endangered. The timber is hard and heavy (Gs 0.55), but difficult to dry, and can warp badly. Moreover, its high silica content (0.35) damages tools. The wood is used for tools, furniture, and floors, whilst the foliage is commonly used as fodder for cattle. The tree is occasionally planted for shade or ornamentation. ==Etymology==

In Costa Rica the Mexican elm is known as Tirrá; the neighbourhood (district) of Tirrases in Curridabat, San José, takes its name from the tree. ==References==