Zelkova abelicea

Zelkova abelicea is a species of tree in the family Ulmaceae.[3][4] It is referred to by the common names Cretan zelkova, and on Crete proper as abelitsia (αμπελιτσιά). It is endemic to Crete.[2] It is found in small numbers and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN red list of endangered species.

Zelkova abelicea
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Rosids
Order:	Rosales
Family:	Ulmaceae
Genus:	Zelkova
Species:	Z. abelicea
Binomial name
Zelkova abelicea (Lam.) Boiss.
Synonyms[2]
Planera abelicea (Lam.) Schult. Ulmus abelicea (Lam.) Sm. Zelkova cretica (Sm.) Spach

It is the most preferred wood for making the katsouna (κατσούνα), the traditional Cretan shepherd's versatile crook, because of its tough nature. Today it is forbidden by law to use abelitsia for making a katsouna, since it is made of an entire young tree.

It is a medium-sized tree that grows from 3 m (10 ft) to 5 m (16 ft) tall. The tree is strongly branched resulting in a dense, crown shaped habit that extends close to the ground. The leaves are small and green with serrated edges. Z. abelicea produces perfect hermaphroditic flowers which are small and scented, and pollination is therefore thought to be achieved by insects.

This species is capable of suckering, a form of reproduction where new shoots arise from an existing root system rather than from a seed. Natural regeneration by seed is rarely seen. Root cutting seem to show a 50% success rate, though best results may be seen in the cuttings taken from late August. Branch cutting of young shoots also root with moderate success when taken in late mid to late summer. This species is usually found on rocky, mountainous areas at altitudes between 850 and 1,800 m (2,790 and 5,910 ft).

Though the species was threatened by urbanization (habitat loss), overgrazing and wildfires, recent fieldwork seems to show that Zelkova abelicea is becoming more abundant. It is not threatened with extinction, though remains vulnerable.