The Ruhnu Kuningapuu (King’s Tree) known as the Holma White Elm is believed to be somewhat more than 300 years old
White elm; Fluttering elm Künnapuu Ulmus laevis
According to legend more than three quarters of the 300 inhabitants of Ruhnu island died in the great plague of 1710. After the devastating plague two white elms were planted at the gate of the cemetery. One of them grows there even today.
About half a kilometre towards the sea from this tree with its undulating branches reminding of a great sea snake, another noteworthy representative of the species grows on a small hillock in a shore meadow. It does not quite reach the measures of its famous relative but still deserves a visit as an interesting specimen in a pleasant habitat.
