Betula
Betula
Betula (pronunciation: /ˈbɛtjʊlə/), commonly known as birch, is a genus of deciduous trees and shrubs in the family Betulaceae, native to the Northern Hemisphere.
Etymology
The term "Betula" is derived from the Latin word for birch. The word is possibly related to the Old Norse "bjǫrk", and the Proto-Indo-European root "*bʰreh₁ǵ-" which means 'to shine', in reference to the tree's white bark.
Description
Betula species are characterized by their simple, single or double serrate, feather-veined leaves. The flowers are wind-pollinated catkins, produced in spring before the new leaves appear. The fruit is a small samara, although the wings may be obscure in some species.
Species
There are about 60 different species of Betula, including Betula pendula (silver birch), Betula pubescens (downy birch), and Betula lenta (sweet birch).
Uses
Betula trees have been used for a variety of purposes, including timber, paper production, and the extraction of Betula oil, which has medicinal properties. The bark of the tree is also used in traditional medicine and for making canoes.
Related Terms
- Betulaceae: The family to which Betula belongs.
- Betula oil: An essential oil derived from the bark of Betula trees.
- Betula pendula: A species of Betula, commonly known as silver birch.
- Betula pubescens: A species of Betula, commonly known as downy birch.
- Betula lenta: A species of Betula, commonly known as sweet birch.
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