Article

Zelkova abelicea, a Tertiary relict species, is today restricted to Crete where it is scattered -in ali the main mountain massifs. It is a threatened species of which few old, fertile trees remain, and it is important that it be preserved. Heavy overgrazing now prevents the development of shrubby individuals into trees and jeopardizes regeneration through the seldom germinating seeds. The species has been studied for eight years, both in situ in its natural stands and in cultivation. In-vitro cloning using leaves, twigs, roots, seeds, and seedlings proved difficult due to bacterial infection of nearly ali plants. Just one of a hundred seedlings was not contaminated and was thus suited for vegetati ve propagation. Based on this study, concrete steps of a project for the preservation, multiplication and afforestation of Zelkova are devised.