The field elm (lat. Ulmus minor), is a small-sized deciduous tree. It is endemic to Southern Europe, and the Mediterranean countries. Elms can live to a great age.

An ancient field elm stood until recently in the village square of Metaxades. Having abandoned their original village in 1286 after cholera outbreaks, the villagers re-founded it in the hills where a young elm was growing beside a spring. An elm (reputedly the original) and the fountain were the focal points of the village until the late 20th century.