Ulmus × androssowii

Ulmus cultivar
Karagach [:black tree, = elm], Samarkand
Cultivar	'Androssowii'
Origin	Uzbekistan

The hybrid cultivar Ulmus 'Androssowii' R. Kam. an elm of Uzbekistan sometimes referred to in old travel books as 'Turkestan Elm' or as 'karagach' [:black tree, = elm], its local name, is probably an artificial hybrid. According to Lozina-Lozinskaia the tree is unknown in the wild in Uzbekistan, and apparently arose from a crossing of U. densa var. bubyriana Späth (:now Ulmus minor 'Umbraculifera'), which it resembles, and the Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila.

The tree is not to be confused with the U. turkestanica Regel distributed by the Späth nursery of Berlin.

For U. 'Karagatch', see Hybrid cultivars below.

The tree grows to a height of 20 metres (66 ft) and is distinguished by its very dense spherical crown and pubescent leaves. Its compact branch structure helps the tree conserve moisture.

Not known.

The hybrid has been widely planted in southern and western areas of the former Soviet Union, notably along the streets of Samarkand. Cold-hardy, it prefers a rich soil and moderate humidity.

'Androssowii' left, U. Bubyriana [ Ulmus minor 'Umbraculifera' (?)] right, Samarkand (1903)

'Androssowii', Grange Farm Arboretum

Leaves of same

Ulmus 'Karagatch' is a hybrid cultivar from Turkestan, selected in the early 20th century and said to be either a backcrossing of U. pumila and U. 'Androssowii' or simply a cultivar of 'Androssowi'.

Photographs of and information on 'karagach' in Uzbekistan, World Digital Library