Cashmerian Elem-Ulmus wallichiana
Family : Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
Ulmus wallichiana Planch., the Himalayan elm, also known as
the
Kashmir elm Ulmus wallichiana and Bhutan elm, is a mountain tree ranging
from central Nuristan in Afghanistan, through northern Pakistan and northern
India to western Nepal at elevations of 800–3000 m.
Although dissimilar in
appearance, its common name is occasionally used in error for the cherry bark
elm Ulmus villosa, which is also endemic to the Kashmir, but inhabits the
valleys, not the mountain slopes. The species is closely related to the wych
elm U. glabra.
A strong fibre is obtained from the inner bark. It is used
for cordage, slow matches and sandals. The young shoots are used to make strong
ropes. A dye is obtained from the ashes of the burnt twigs.
The colour is not
given. Wood - fairly hard, somewhat scented, fine grained, takes a good polish.
Used for furniture. Bark of U. wallichiana is commonly used for treatment of
fractured bones in animals as well asin human beings in folk tradition of
Himalaya.
Local people collect U. wallichiana fresh bark, crushed minutely and
boiled in water for 1/2h to make fine semi-solid substrate. As bark contains
strong fibers and high percentage of mucilage, substrate became laxative and
sticky.
Fractured part of body is washed and properly set by
experienced bone setter. Cooled semisolid laxative substrate is thoroughly
poured and lapped around fractured part and tightened with a clean cloth
followed by giving proper support to fractured part with thick card board.
Patient is then allowed for minimum 30 days rest.
Availability : Planting material, seeds and Bark
Jammua and Kashmir Medicinal Plants Introduction Centre
POB 667 GPO Srinagar SGR J&K 190001
Mob: 09858986794/9419966983
WhatsApp : 9858986794
Ph: 01933-223705
e-mail: jkmpic@gmail.com
