Ulmus laevis

9.9

An elm tree from Europe and Asia that grows near rivers and in wet soil

proper noun

Specialized

: olmo liso

The Ulmus laevis is commonly found along riverbanks where the soil remains moist.

Examples

Botanists studied the leaf structure of Ulmus laevis to compare it with other elm species.
Did you know that Ulmus laevis can grow over 30 meters tall?
An ancient Ulmus laevis stands in the park, admired for its towering branches and smooth bark.
The Ulmus laevis is often found near rivers.
An ancient Ulmus laevis stands in the park, admired for its towering branches and smooth bark.
The Ulmus laevis thrives in wet soil conditions, making it a common sight in floodplain forests.
Botanists studied the adaptations of Ulmus laevis to understand how it survives in moist environments.

Surface Forms

Ulmus laevis main

Morphology

Ulmus + laevis

This is a Latin binomial formed from the genus name Ulmus (elms) plus a species epithet; a learner who knows the constituents and the common taxonomic pattern can infer it denotes a particular type of elm tree. The specific epithet 'laevis' may be obscure in ordinary English dictionaries, but it does not block the clear composition Ulmus + laevis = a species of elm, so the overall meaning is derivable.

Etymology

Ulmus laevis comes from Latin words: Ulmus meaning 'elm' and laevis meaning 'smooth', because this tree often has smooth bark and leaves. So the name helps you remember it is the 'smooth elm' that often grows near rivers.