Ulmus macrocarpa (Bigfruit Elm)

Plant community: 

Native status: Native to north-eastern China

Mature size (height & width): 

Mature height: 17 meters 

Mature trunk width: 0.4 Meters

Habitat/Tolerances: 

Sunny dry mountain slopes, high elevation (700-800 meters)

Drought Tolerant

Cold Tolerant

Semi shade tolerant

Disease resistant

 Eco-indicator: NA

Hardiness zones: 4-8

Leaf color: The Bigfruit Elm is a deciduous tree with obovate leaves, less than 9 cm long, and are leathery and thick. Has light green leaves which turn yellow.

Flower color / bloom time: Grows wind pollinated flowers which appear bloom from March to May.

Response to Climate Change: This specific Elm has developed moderate resistance to Dutch elm disease.

Potential Climate applications:

Climate adaption score: 3   

Sources:

http://www.cirrusimage.com/tree_Ulmus_macrocarpa.htm

Nyssa sylvatica (Black Tupelo)

Plant community: New England Barrier Beach

Native status: Native to Eastern North America

Mature size (height & width):

Mature Height: 30 - 50 Feet

Mature Width: 20 - 30 Feet

Habitat/Tolerances: 

The Black Tupelo also commonly known as the “Sour Gum” is a slow growing deciduous tree often found in low wet woods, and bottomlands around ponds. 

Drought tolerant

Tolerates drier soils

Tolerates poor drainage

Can grow in standing water

Induces growth of bottle shaped trunk

Flood tolerant

Salt Intolerant

Eco-indicator: NA

Hardiness zones: 3 - 9

Leaf color:  During fall months the leaves will turn a deep scarlet color. Leaves have a glossy appearance and can be obovate or elliptic. Leaves can vary between entirely or slightly toothed.

Flower color / bloom time: Has greenish white flowers which bloom between May and June. It is dioecious meaning there are male and female trees. 

Response to Climate Change: 

Researchers believe Black Tupelo are at risk to increased salt water exposure due to sea level rise in certain areas. Could lead to the destruction of old growth Tupelo forests along the Jersey shore.  Species has been shown to respond to climate impacts in a relatively short time period.

Population decrease in density in southern regions of its habitat range 

Northward migration

Potential climate applications: 

Climate adaption score: 2

Sources:

https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a670

https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/a/climate-change-sea-level-rise-nj-natural-lands-glades-wildlife-refuge-sourgum-trees-20181211.html

https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=nysy

Robbery Of The Week (3)

I love an avocado. It is something to do with that rich, creamy, velvety texture and mild flavour. A chicken and avocado sandwich is one of my all-time favourites and, I’m told, there are some health benefits t be gained from eating the fruit.

The classic shape of an avocado is what the botanists call obovate, round and tapering at the base. When held, I suppose, it could look like a grenade,…