How to Pollinate Winged elm

(Ulmus alata)

Winged elm, also known as Cork elm

Winged elm embraces the waltz of the wind for its pollination, capitalizing on nature's gentle breezes. As this dance ensues, the tree dispenses a myriad of pollen grains--dauntless travelers clinging onto the wind's mysterious paths. Intriguingly, a lack of flashy blossoms or enticing nectar does not diminish the plant's allure to its prime pollinator. Timing-wise, winged elm unfurls this airborne ballet in early spring, when its reproductive potential peaks.

Which Pollinators are Suitable for Winged Elm?

Bloom Time

Spring

Primary pollinators

Wind

How Does Pollination Occur in Winged Elm?

Winged elm produces small, inconspicuous flowers before the leaves unfurl in the spring. The clustered flowers, called samaras, are greenish-red, marked by two pronounced 'wings' which play a distinctive role in pollination and seed dispersion.

Winged elm's pollination relies primarily on the wind that disperses the pollen from the male to the female flowers, which is a process known as anemophily.

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How Can You Enhance the Pollination of Winged Elm?

Plant Diversity

Enhancing plant diversity within the garden or farm can promote better wind pollination. Intercropping with various species encourages wind movement between plants, thereby helping to facilitate the transfer of pollen.

Plant Placement

Arranging plants in rows that align with the prevailing wind direction can increase the chances of successful pollination. This helps direct pollen flow and allows it to reach target plants more easily.

Planting Time

Synchronize the planting time to ensure that the maximum amount of trees flowers at the same time. This increases the chances of wind carrying the pollen across the plants at the height of their flowering cycle, improving pollination rates.

Barrier Control

Managing wind by constructing windbreaks or barriers can help control excessive wind that might blow away pollen, thereby improving chances of pollination. These can be adjusted to allow optimum wind flow as required.

How Can You Determine if Winged Elm has Been Pollinated?

Flower Emergence

Flowers on winged elm surface before leaves, suggesting the initiation of the pollination cycle. Look for irregular clusters of small, green to reddish-brown flowers.

Pollen Dispersal

In winged elm, pollen is dispersed by wind. Indicators are a powdered or dusty appearance on surfaces around the plant during spring.

Seed Pod Formation

Following successful pollination, winged elm develops winged fruits called 'samaras'. Look for strong, banana-shaped seed pods.

Understanding Hand-Pollination in Winged Elm

Difficulty

Normal

Duration

60 mins

What Tools are Necessary for Hand-Pollinating Winged Elm?

Gloves

To protect your hands while handling the plant and its pollen.

Small Soft Brush

Required in order to collect the male pollen grains and transfer them to the female flowers.

Tweezers

Used to remove stamens or pistils when necessary.

Tagging Materials

Materials such as thread or different coloured slips of paper to identify the flowers that have been pollinated.

What is the Optimal Time for Hand-Pollinating Winged Elm?

The best time to perform hand-pollination on winged elm is early in the morning, when the flowers open and are most receptive. In terms of overall timing, this should ideally be done during the bloom period which is late winter to early spring.

Steps to Hand-Pollinate Winged Elm

Step1: Collecting Pollen

Using the small soft brush, gently collect the pollen from the flowers on the 'male' winged elm tree. The pollen is the powdery substance located in the flower's anther considered as the male reproductive part. Put aside the brush with the pollen.

Step2: Identifying Receptive Flowers

Look for female flowers on winged elm that are ready to receive pollen, usually characterized by a swollen or open stigma. Make sure the female flower is mature and receptive before moving to the next step.

Step3: Applying Pollen

Take the brush with the collected pollen and gently brush it onto the stigma of the female flower on winged elm. Ensure the stigma is well-coated with pollen.

Step4: Tagging

After applying the pollen, tag the flower to mark it as pollinated. This could be with a coloured thread or slip of paper. This way, you can monitor the flower and check back after some time to see if pollination was successful.

Why Aren't There Fruits on Winged Elm Despite the Presence of Flowers?

Insufficient Pollination

If fewer fruits are observed, ensure winged elm is exposed to adequate wind currents. Create wind flow or shake branches gently if needed.

Pruning Time

Winged elm should be pruned immediately after flowering to avoid damaging new fruits, ensuring successful seed formation.

Infestation and Disease

Pests and diseases can disrupt pollination. Regularly check for aphids, caterpillars and signs of Dutch elm disease and treat appropriately.