Zelkova abelicea

Ampelitsia or Anegnoro (Zelkova abelicea) is an endemic small tree of Crete with a height of 3-5 meters, which is also found in shrubs (up to 1.5m). Globally, it belongs to the rare genus Zelkova of the family Ulmaceae. The name “Anegnoro” (i.e. unrecognizable) was given because when it was discovered, they could not recognize what kind it was.

It makes small, white, fragrant flowers. It grows in the mountainous zone from 800 to 1700 meters, in the three main mountains of Crete with the largest population being in the White Mountains (“Lefka Ori”).

It is protected by European and national law as well as by international treaties. It is no longer threatened with extinction, although it remains vulnerable, as its wood is used to make the famous traditional Cretan “katsouna” (stick).

In Europe it is one of the only two representative members of the genus Zelkova – there are other related species in Sicily, Italy. Ampelitsia is one of the oldest “inhabitants” of the island as fossils dating back to about 8 million years have been identified.