Thorny elm
Hemiptelea davidii
Family: Ulmaceae
What it is like
A tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 5-8 m high. The branches have hairs and spines. The spines are 2-10 cm long. The leaves are narrowly oval and 2-6 cm long. The flowers are joined with 1-4 in a group. The fruit is a small nutlet. It has a wing on the upper half.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in north and east China. It grows below 2,000 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Korea, Mongolia
How it is used for food
The young leaves are mixed with flour, steamed, seasoned with salt and sesame oil and ground garlic are added. They are also used for a drink. The young leaves and fruit are eaten in soup.
Edible parts
Leaves, fruit, leaves - drink, seeds - oil
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Har-a sanduu