On the flowering of Zelkova sicula (Ulmaceae): Additional description and comments

Zelkova sicula is a relic species from Sicily, which was first identified in 1991. The initial description was based solely on leaf morphology, because flowering did not occur in that year. Flowering was observed for the first time in April 1996. In this paper a floral description of the species is presented, as well as some related comments on the flowering event. It is suggested that the exceptional rainfall from October 1995 to March 1996, in addition to the enclosure erected in September 1994 to protect the population of Zelkova sicula against grazing pressure, promoted flowering.