Betula utilis D. Don
Table of Contents
Betula utilis D. Don. Family
Cupuliferae
Betula utilis D. Don. English Name
Birch
Betula utilis D. Don. Local Name
Bhoj Patra, Zhonzree
Betula utilis D. Don. Description
A small deciduous tree or shrub. The leaves are silky, soon becoming glabrous, 5 to 10 cm long, ovate and acute serrate. The bark is conspicuously white, peeling off in large papery layers. The male flowers are catkins, and the female flowers are spikes. It flowers in May. The fruit is a winged nut. It reproduces by seed and by suckers. Growth is slow. Exists as individual trees rather than stands so browsing by livestock tends to be a problem. Bark is peeled off and used for writing paper. Even grained having Pink or white sapwood
Betula utilis D. Don. Distribution
Native to the Himalayas up to 4000 m above sea level. Usually, gregarious. Occasionally a single tree. Grows on high mountain slopes and internal valleys in the Himalayas. Can grow on rocky steeps.
Betula utilis D. Don. Uses
Is used as Fuel, fodder and furniture.