Fig. 123.—The Elm.
The elm.—The elm ([Fig. 123]) is usually a lofty tree, easily recognised at a distance by its straight trunk, slender branches, and rounded masses of foliage. The bark is rough and very corky. The tree flowers early in the spring before the leaves are expanded. The flowers are purple and contain both stamens and pistil. Each fruit ([Fig. 124]) is a flat plate with a rounded seed box in the middle; it is distributed by the wind. The seeds of the common elm do not often ripen in this country. The leaves ([Fig. 124]) are rough to the touch, and have very prominent veins. They do not fall until late autumn.
Fig. 124.—The Elm; leaves, flowers and fruit. 1, flowering branch (× ⅔); 2, branch with leaves; 3, a flower (× 2); 4, the same, cut through longitudinally; 5, a fruit (× ⅔).
The lime.—The lime tree ([Fig. 125]) has a straight smooth trunk. The tree generally spreads at the base, and tapers to a blunt apex. The leaves are bright green, heart-shaped, and pointed, and plainly larger on one side of the midrib than on the other. The yellowish-green flowers are in bunches, carried on a stalk which springs from the middle of a long, narrow bract ([Fig. 126]). The flowers are complete—calyx, corolla, stamens, and pistil being all present—and are pollinated by bees, which visit them for the sake of nectar, being attracted by the sweet scent.
Fig. 125.—Lime Trees.