Ovate

The scales of the staminate aments when mature are broadly ovate, rounded, yellow or orange color below the middle, dark chestnut brown at apex.

Leaves are arranged alternatively; the European species has ovate, wavy-edged leaves to 10cm which are pale green in Spring appearing as late as May in the UK, turning glossy green in Summer and then to yellow to orange-brown in Autumn.

Notes :Stipules falcate, large, 5-8 mm, herbaceous, glabrous, margin serrate, apex acute; petiole 4-5 mm, narrowly winged or not, glabrous; leaf blade broadly obovate to obovate-oblong or obovate-elliptic, 2-6 × 1-4.

It displays weeping branches of ovate pointed leaves. Open, pink flowers and red fruit. There are three varieties of malpighia which are used as bonsai subjects. Each has unique characteristics.

The leaves are very close together, obovate, opposite and just under 1/2 '' long -- when grown in the sun.
To keep a good bonsai shape, frequent pruning (and/or pinching) is necessary.

The Chinese Elm falls in the Ulmus species that includes more than 45 species of deciduous, semi-evergreen trees. These trees are known for alternating ovate to elliptic toothed leaves with incredible fall color display.

See also: Species, Bonsai, Repotting, Cutting, Pruning