The elm tree is a common tall tree species, widely used in the greening of parks and residential areas. In addition to its high ornamental value, the bark and leaves of the elm tree can also be used as medicine, with good medicinal effects.
【The original plant morphology of elm leaves】
The elm tree is a tall tree, reaching up to 25m in height. The new branches are densely covered with soft hairs. The leaves are alternate, with a hard papery texture; the leaf stalk is 1-4mm long; there are no stipules; the leaf blade of the elm tree is elliptical-ovate, narrow-ovate, or lanceolate-ovate in shape; the apex is gradually pointed, the base is wide-wedge-shaped or nearly circular, rough on the upper surface with deciduous stiff hairs, and densely covered with soft hairs on the lower surface; the margin has single sawtooth; there are 7-15 pairs of lateral veins.
The flowers are unisexual, rarely polygamous, and both male and female flowers are borne on the same tree; the male flowers are clustered in the leaf axils or bract axils of the lower part of the new branches, and the female flowers are 1-3 in the leaf axils of the upper part of the new branches; the perianth consists of 4-5 segments; the stamens are the same number as the perianth segments and are opposite to them; the female flowers have only one pistil, the ovary is 1-celled, and there are 2 oblique styles. The upper part of the nut is inclined, with a diameter of 2.5-4mm. The flowering period is from March to April, and the fruiting period is from October to November.
【Planting methods for elm leaves】
The elm tree has a tall and majestic tree shape, with dense green shade in summer and bright red leaves in autumn. It can be planted as a solitary or group tree in parks and squares, as a shade tree next to buildings; mixed with evergreen tree species for landscape forests; planted as street trees along sidewalks and highways.
It can also be widely used for greening in new residential areas and rural areas. Its tender and budding properties make it a good material for making bonsai trees. It prefers light and is slightly shade-tolerant, and prefers warm climates and fertile, moist soil. It is tolerant to mild salt-alkaline conditions but not to drought and barrenness. It has deep roots and strong wind resistance. It grows slowly in the early stage, but gradually accelerates after 6-7 years. It is tolerant to smoke and pollution. It has a long lifespan and can be propagated by sowing.
The germination rate is relatively low, and soaking the seeds in water is beneficial for germination. During the seedling stage, attention should be paid to pruning and training the trunk, otherwise branching may occur easily. The roots of elm seedlings are slender and tough. When starting the seedlings, the roots around them should be cut off before digging them out to avoid tearing the root bark.
【Medicinal applications of elm leaves】
Prescription name: Ju Ye San
Composition: 3 liang of elm leaves, 1 liang of licorice (slightly red and crushed), 2.5 liang of Ophiopogon japonicus (core removed and roasted), 1 liang of dried ginger (fried and cracked).
Main uses: Women with abnormal uterine bleeding with various colors, or continuous red and white bleeding.
Usage: Take 4 qian (about 12 grams) per dose, add to a cup of water, add 3 jujubes, boil until 6 minutes, remove the residue, and take the warm liquid, regardless of the time.
