
The zelkova is a member of the elm family, and six species
exist. Common in Korea is Zelkova serrata (Keaki or
Japanese Zelkova), a species of Zelkova native to
Japan,
Korea, eastern
China,
and
Taiwan.
It is a medium-sized to large
deciduous tree growing to 20-35 m tall, with a trunk up to 2 m
diameter. The leaves are alternate, 5-11 cm long and 2-5 cm broad,
with a sharply serrated margin. The flowers are inconspicuous and
greenish, with no petals, and are wind-pollinated. The fruit is a
small nutlet 3 mm diameter.
It is often grown as an ornamental
tree. Keaki wood is valued in Japan. The tree is a symbol of Saitama
Prefecture. The name Keaki derives from the Japanese name of the
species, keyaki
(欅, ケヤキ, keyaki?).