Below are 4 pictures of the same tree, I would like to know how to tell if this is a Zelkova Serrata (Japanese Keyaki) or if it is a Zelkova Nire (Chinese elm) ?

On the passport it says "Ulmus Parvifolia" but the leaves look very much like a zelkova serrata.
If you know the answer please explain why.

Thank you

(Pictures below)

I cannot help more than saying that it does not look like an ulmus as labelled.

That is odd. I have seen a lot of ulmus bonsai labelled as zelkova. Seems to be more the rule than exception around here. I bellieve it has something to do with import regulations and dutch elm desease.

However, I have never seen zelkovas labelled as ulmus before. And I dont understand why anyone would do that.

Hi,
I am not an expert but I agree with you, from the shape of the leaves it definitely looks more like a Zelkova Serrata.

About Zelkova Nire vs Ulmus Parvifolia, I have to say that I still can't tell one from the other…
I have 2 Zelkova Nire and 1 Ulmus Parvifolia myself (so they were labelled), and they look perfectly identical…

Here some more information about this topic:

It is a zelkova serrata.

Zelkova nire does not exist. These are mostly ulmus p.

watched it already!! very informative, thank you so much!!