Holoptelea, Vavala - 0.5 kg Seeds

Indian Elm or Vavala (Holoptelea integrifolia) is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree with a spreading crown, smooth greyish bark and papery, winged, disc-like seeds (samaras) that scatter on the wind. A tough, adaptable pioneer, it is also known as the "jungle cork tree" for its corky bark.

It grows throughout the plains and lower hills of India on a wide range of soils, including dry, degraded and rocky ground, making it a useful avenue, shade and wasteland-reclamation species. The bark and leaves are extensively used in Ayurveda for skin disorders, rheumatism and digestive complaints, and the soft wood serves for cheap furniture, fuel and packing cases.

• Family: Ulmaceae
• Native region: Indian subcontinent & SE Asia
• Mature height: 18–25 m
• Growth rate: fast

Sow the winged samaras fresh, as viability is short; soak the seeds in water for several hours, then sow shallowly (barely covered) in trays or beds of well-drained mix. Kept warm (25–32 °C) and moist in light shade, germination is quick, usually within about 7–14 days. Prick the seedlings into polybags once handleable and harden them off before planting out at the beginning of the monsoon.