Birch - Revision history

Raffi at 02:00, 9 February 2010

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Murali.lalitha at 15:41, 7 February 2010

2010-02-07T15:41:06Z

Murali.lalitha at 15:18, 7 February 2010

2010-02-07T15:18:43Z

Envoy at 04:30, 25 May 2007

2007-05-25T04:30:13Z

Envoy at 09:51, 30 April 2007

2007-04-30T09:51:03Z

Raffi at 13:59, 4 April 2007

2007-04-04T13:59:05Z

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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = Birches
| image = Betula pendula winter.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = [[Silver Birch]]
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Fagales]]
| familia = [[Betulaceae]]
| genus = '''''Betula'''''
| genus_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision =
''Many species;''<br/>
''see text and [[Betula classification|classification]]''
}}

'''Birch''' is the name of any [[tree]] of the genus '''''Betula''''', in the family [[Betulaceae]], closely related to the [[beech]]/[[oak]] family, [[Fagaceae]]. These are generally small to medium-size [[tree]]s or [[shrub]]s, mostly of northern [[temperate]] climates. The simple [[leaf|leaves]] may be toothed or lobed. The fruit is a small [[samara (fruit)|samara]], although the wings may be obscure in some species. They differ from the [[alder]]s (''Alnus'', the other genus in the family) in that the female [[catkin]]s are not woody and disintegrate at maturity, falling apart to release the seeds, unlike the woody cone-like female alder catkins.

The common name ''birch'' is derived from an old [[Germanic language|Germanic]] root similar to ''birka''. The [[Proto-Germanic]] [[rune]] [[berkanan]] is named after the birch. The botanic name ''Betula'' is from the original [[Latin]].

Birch is used as a food plant by the [[larva]]e of a large number of [[Lepidoptera]] species, see [[List of Lepidoptera which feed on Birches]].

The birch is considered a [[National emblem|national tree]] of [[Russia]], where it used to be worshipped as a goddess during the [[Semik|Green Week]] in early June.

===Species===
See also: [[Betula classification]] birch

;Birches of [[North America]] include:
*''Betula alleghaniensis'' - [[Yellow Birch]] (''B. lutea'')
*''Betula cordifolia'' - [[Mountain Paper Birch]]
*''Betula glandulosa'' - [[American Dwarf Birch]]
*''Betula lenta'' - [[Sweet Birch]], Cherry Birch, or Black Birch
**''Betula lenta'' subsp. ''uber'' - [[Virginia Round-Leaf Birch]] (endemic, Cressy Creek, [[Smyth County, Virginia]])
*''Betula michauxii'' - [[Newfoundland Dwarf Birch]]
*''Betula nana'' - [[Dwarf Birch]] or Bog Birch (also in northern Europe and Asia)
*''Betula neoalaskana'' - [[Alaska Birch]] or Yukon Birch
*''Betula nigra'' - [[River Birch]] or Black Birch
*''Betula occidentalis'' - [[Water Birch]] or Red Birch (''B. fontinalis'')
*''Betula papyrifera'' - [[Paper Birch]], Canoe Birch or American White Birch
*''Betula populifolia'' - [[Gray Birch]]
*''Betula pumila'' - [[Swamp Birch]]

;Birches of [[Europe]] and [[Asia]] include:
*''Betula albosinensis'' - [[Chinese Red Birch]]
**''Betula albosinensis'' var. ''septentrionalis'' - [[North Chinese Red Birch]]
*''Betula alnoides'' - [[Alder-leaf Birch]]
*''Betula austrosinensis'' - [[South China Birch]]
*''Betula chinensis'' - [[Chinese Dwarf Birch]]
*''Betula ermanii'' - [[Erman's Birch]]
*''Betula grossa'' - [[Japanese Cherry Birch]]
*''Betula jacquemontii'' (''Betula utilis'' subsp. ''jacquemontii'') - [[White-barked Himalayan Birch]]
*''Betula mandschurica'' - [[Manchurian Birch]]
**''Betula mandschurica'' var. ''japonica'' - [[Japanese Birch]]
*''Betula maximowiczii'' - [[Monarch Birch]]
*''Betula medwediewii'' - [[Caucasian Birch]]
*''Betula nana'' - [[Dwarf Birch]] (also in northern North America)
*''Betula pendula'' - [[Silver Birch]]
*''Betula platyphylla'' (''Betula pendula'' var. ''platyphylla'') - [[Siberian Silver Birch]]
*''Betula pubescens'' - [[Downy Birch]], White Birch or European White Birch (also in northern Asia)
**''Betula pubescens'' subsp. ''tortuosa'' - [[White Birch|Arctic White Birch]] (subarctic Eurasia, Greenland)
*''Betula szechuanica'' (''Betula pendula'' var. ''szechuanica'') - [[Sichuan Birch]]
*''Betula utilis'' - [[Himalayan Birch]]

:''Note: many American texts have ''B. pendula'' and ''B. pubescens'' confused, though they are distinct species with different chromosome numbers''

==Uses==
Birches are versatile trees. T
he [[sap (plant)|sap]], bark, leaves, wood, twigs, and roots are used for food, construction materials, drums, medicinal treatments, [[lubricant]]s, and other practical applications.

Due to birch [[Wood pulp|pulp]]’s short-fibre qualities, this [[hardwood]] can be used to make printing paper.

In northern [[latitude]]s birch is however considered to be the most important [[allergy|allergenic]] tree [[pollen]], with an estimated 15-20% of [[hay fever]] sufferers sensitive to birch pollen grains.

Extracts of birch are used for flavoring or leather oil, and in cosmetics such as [[soap]] or [[shampoo]]. In the past, commercial oil of wintergreen ([[methyl salicylate]]) was made from the [[Sweet Birch]] (''Betula lenta''). ''Birch tar'' or ''Russian Oil'', extracted from birch bark, was used as a lubricant or glue and also for medicinal purposes. [[Xylitol]] can also be extracted from birch, a [[sugar alcohol]] [[artificial sweetener]], which has shown effectiveness in preventing, and in some cases repairing, [[tooth decay]].

In [[Belarus]], [[Russia]], [[the Baltic States]], [[Finland]], and parts of northern [[China]], [[birch sap]] is drunk as a refreshing beverage, and is believed to have [[tonic]] qualities. It is watery and pale green in color, with a slightly sweet flavor, and is bottled commercially. Birch sap may also made into [[kvass]]. The sap of particular birch species may also be rendered into [[birch syrup]], [[vinegar]], [[birch beer|beer]], soft drinks, and other foods. In contrast to [[maple syrup]], birch syrup is very difficult to produce, making it more expensive than other food syrups. It is also considerably less sweet than maple syrup and the sap for syrup production is not available until a month later than maple's. The syrup is made mainly in [[Alaska]] (from Alaska Birch) and [[Russia]] (from several species), and more rarely elsewhere.

[[Silver Birch]] (''Betula pendula'') is [[Finland]]'s national tree. Occasionally one uses leafy, fragrant twigs of silver birch to gently beat oneself in a [[sauna]]. The twigs are called ''vihta'' or ''vasta''. This has a relaxing effect on the muscles.

Birch is used as [[firewood]] due to its high [[calorific value]] per unit weight and unit volume.

Birch leaves are used to make a [[diuretic]] [[tea]] and to make extracts for [[dye]]s and cosmetics.

Birch twigs were bound in a bundle, also called birch, to be used for [[birching]], a form of [[physical punishment|corporal punishment]].

Many of the [[First Nations]] of [[North America]] prized the birch for its bark, which due to its light weight, flexibility, and the ease with which it could be stripped from fallen trees, was often used for the construction of strong, waterproof but lightweight [[canoe]]s, bowls, and [[tipi]]s. The bark is high in [[betulin]] and betulinic acid, [[phytochemical]]s which have potential as [[pharmaceutical]]s, and other chemicals which show promise as industrial lubricants.

Birch bark can be soaked until moist in hot water, and then formed into a cast for a broken arm {{Fact|date=February 2007}}. It is also used in starting fires. The bark will burn very well, even when wet, because of the oils it contains. With care, the bark can be split into very thin sheets that will ignite from even the smallest of sparks.

Birches also have spiritual importance in several religions, both modern and historical.

Birch wood is also used to make drums. They produce boosted high and low frequencies with loud low end punch that is ideal for studio recordings.

According to the [[Food Network]] series [[Unwrapped]], birch is a preferred wood for the manufacture of [[toothpicks]].

The inner bark of birch can be ingested.

==References==
{{Commonscat|Betula}}
*[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=103887 Flora of North America: ''Betula'']
*[http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=103887 Flora of China: ''Betula'']
*[http://www.inmygarden.org/archives/2005/02/great_americans_18.html#more The Monday Garden: Birches]

<gallery>
Image:Birchandma
ple.jpg|Birch tree (foreground), showing characteristic white bark
Image:Birchbark.jpg|Closeup of [[Silver Birch]] bark
Image:BirchBark2.JPG|A gnarled Silver Birch bark
Image:Betula.jpg|A betula nana or tortuosa at [[Kvaløya]]
</gallery>

[[Category:Betulaceae]]

In India the thin bark coming off in winter was used as writing paper. This has excellent life. the paper is known as bhoorj patra. Bhoorj is the sanskrit name of tree and patra means paper

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:41, 7 February 2010
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	Propagation is readily accomplished by seeds, gathered at maturity and sown in fall, or usually kept dry during the winter, or stratified; but B. nigra, which ripens its fruits in June, must be sown at once, and by fall the seedlings will be several inches high. The seeds should be sown in sandy soil, rather thick, as the percentage of perfect seeds is not very large, slightly or not at all covered, but pressed firmly into the ground and kept moist and shady. The seedlings must be transplanted when one year old. Rarer species and varieties are grafted, usually on B. lenta, B. papyrifera, B. nigra or B. pendula. Cleft or tongue-grafting in early spring, on potted stock in the greenhouse, is the best method. Budding in summer is also sometimes practised. Shrubby forms may also be increased by layers, and B. nana by greenwood cuttings under glass.		Propagation is readily accomplished by seeds, gathered at maturity and sown in fall, or usually kept dry during the winter, or stratified; but B. nigra, which ripens its fruits in June, must be sown at once, and by fall the seedlings will be several inches high. The seeds should be sown in sandy soil, rather thick, as the percentage of perfect seeds is not very large, slightly or not at all covered, but pressed firmly into the ground and kept moist and shady. The seedlings must be transplanted when one year old. Rarer species and varieties are grafted, usually on B. lenta, B. papyrifera, B. nigra or B. pendula. Cleft or tongue-grafting in early spring, on potted stock in the greenhouse, is the best method. Budding in summer is also sometimes practised. Shrubby forms may also be increased by layers, and B. nana by greenwood cuttings under glass.
		+
		+	B. acuminata, Wall.-B. alnoides.—B. alaskana, Sarg. Allied to B. occidentalis. Tree, to 40. rarely 80, ft.: bark grayish white: branchlets densely glandular: Lvs. rhombic-ovate, 1½-3 in. long, truncate to broadly cuneate, pubescent, on the veins beneath or finally glabrous; petiole about 1 in. long: scales of strobiles ciliate. Alaska. S.S. 14:726.—B. alleghaniensis, Brit. Intermediate between B. lenta and B. lutea. Bark cither close and furrowed or peeling off in thin flakes: young branchlets pubescent: Lvs. usually cordate at base and pubescent beneath: strobiles ovoid-oblong, about 1 in. long; scales ¼ in. long, 3-lobed about to the middle. Que. and Mich, to Ga.—B. alnoides, Hamil. (B. acuminata, Wall. B. cylindrostachya, Wall.). Allied to B. Maximowiczii. Tree, to 60 ft.: young branchlets pubescent: bark brown: Lvs. ovate-oblong to ovate- lanceolate, 2½-6 in. long, rounded at the base, doubly cuspidate- serrate, with 10-13 pairs of veins: strobiles in racemes. Himalayas, S.W. China. W.B. 90.—B. alpestris, Fries-B. intermedia.—B. Borggrevei, Zabel (B. papyrifera X B. pumila). Shrubby. Intermediate between the parents, but more similar to B. pumila. Raised at Hann.. Muenden, Germany, from American seed.—B. caerulea, Blanch. Allied to B. pendula. Tree, to 00 ft.: young branchlets hairy: lvs. ovate, 2-3½ in. long, rounded or cuneate at base, acuminate, sharply serrate, dull bluish green above, slightly hairy along the veins beneath: scales of strobiles similar to those of B. populifolia. Vt., Me. S.M. 201.—B. carpinifolia, Sieb. & Zucc.- B. grossa.—B. carpinifolia, Ehrh.-B. lenta.—B. corylifolia. Regel. Allied to B. nigra. Lvs. broadly elliptic or obovate, 1¾-2½ in. long, coarsely dentate, silky on the veins beneath, with 10-14 impressed pairs of veins: strobiles cylindric. Japan. S.I.F. 2:14. W.B. 60.— The plant cult, under this name is usually B. Ermanii.—B. cylindrostachya, Wall.-B. alnoides.—B. dahurica, Pall. Allied to B. pubescens. Tree, to 60 ft.: bark brown: branchlets glandular, hairy when young: Lvs. ovate, 1-2 in. long, pubescent on the veins beneath: strobiles oblong; wings of nutlet half as broad as body or less. Dahuria, Manchuria. Pallas, Fl. Ross. 39.—B. excelsa. Ait. (B. alba var. excelsa. Regel). Allied to B. pubescens. Large tree: bark yellowish brown: young branchlets densely pubescent: Lvs. broadly ovate to obovate, 1-2⅓ in. long, rounded or subcordate at the base, acute, pubescent beneath: strobile cylindric-oblong, upright or nodding; lateral lobes of scales slightly shorter than the middle one. Of unknown origin. W.D.B. 2:95. N.D.3:52.—B. fontinalis, Sarg. (B occidentalis, Nutt., not Hook. B. rhombifolia. Null., not Tausch). Allied to B. occidentalis. Small tree, to 40 ft. or shrubby: bark dark bronze color, lustrous: branchlets glandular: Lvs. broadly ovate, 1-2 in. long, truncate to broadly cuneate, sharply, often doubly serrate: strobiles cylindric-oblong. 1-1¼ in. long; scales glabrous or puberulous. B. C. to Calif., cast to Dak. and Colo. 8.S. 9:453 (as B. occidentalis).—B. fruticosa, Pall. (B. Gmelinii, Bunge). Allied to B. glandulosa. Shrub, to 15 ft.: branchlets glandular and pubescent: Lvs. ovate-elliptic, ½-1½ in. long, glabrous at length and usually glandular beneath: strobiles oblong-cylindric, ¾-1 in. long, wings about as broad as nutlet. Siberia, Manchuria. Pallas, Fl. Ross. 40.—B. globispica. Shirai. Allied to B. ulmifolia. Tree, to 60 ft.: bark grayish brown: Lvs. broadly rhombic-ovate, 1½-2½ in. long, short-acuminate, unequally serrate, with about 10 pairs of veins, pubescent on the veins beneath: strobiles subglobose or ovoid, about 1½ in. long; scales deeply 3-lobed with spatulate lobes. Japan. S.I.F. 1:21. W.B. 68.—B. Gmelinii. Bunge-B. fruticosa. —B. grossa, Sieb. & Zucc. (B. carpinifolia. Sieb. & Zucc.). Tree: branchlets glabrous: Lvs. ovate, 2-4 in. long, unequally serrate, with 10-15 pairs of veins, pubescent on the veins beneath and glandular- punctate: strobiles nearly sessile, elliptic-ovoid; middle lobe of the scale slightly longer than the lateral ones. Japan. S.I.F, 1:22.—B. humilis, Schrank. Allied to B. glandulosa. Shrub, 2-6 ft.: branchlets glandular and slightly pubescent at first: Lvs. ovate or suborbicular. ½-1¼ in. long, crenately serrate, glabrous: strobiles ovoid, about ½in. long. N. and W. Eu., N. Asia. G.W.H. 2:149. H.W. 2: p.26. R.F.G. 12:1279.—B. intermidia. Thomas (B. alpentris. Fries. B. pubescens x B. nana). Shrub: Lvs. orbicular or ovate, ⅓-1 in. long, crenate-serrate, usually pubescent while young, and often glutinous, finely glabrous: strobiles oblong: lateral lobes of scale upright and usually shorter than the middle one. N. Eu.—Natural hybrid; very variable.—B. Jackii, Schneid. (B. lenta xpumila). Shrub: bark of the odor of B. lenta: Lvs. usually obovate, 1-2 in. long, usually with about 7 pairs of veins: strobiles oblong, ½-¾ in. long; lateral lobes of scales spreading, somewhat shorter than the middle one. Originated at the Arnold Arboretum. G.F. 8:245.— B. kenaica, Evans. Allied to B. occidentalis. Tree, to 40 ft. : bark grayish white or light reddish brown: branchlets glabrous, not or slightly glandular: Lvs. ovate, 1½-2 in. long, cuneate or rounded at the base, irregularly, often doubly serrate, glabrous: strobiles cylindric-oblong, about 1 in. long, glabrous. Alaska. S.S. 14:723.—B. Koehnei, Schneid. (B. papyrifera X pendula). Intermediate between the parents. Tree: branchlets sparingly pubescent: Lvs. ovate, 2-3½ in. long, usually truncate at base, acuminate; rather finely and doubly serrate: scales of strobiles similar to those of B. papyrifera. Origin unknown.—B. luminifera, Winkl. Allied to B. alnoides. Lvs. ovate, subcordate at the base, serrate with acuminate teeth, 3-5 in. long: strobiles solitary, 2-3 in. long. Cent. China, W. 92.—B. Mid-wedjewii, Regel. Allied to B. utilis. Tree: young branchlets hairy: Lvs. broadly ovate to obovate, 2-3 in. long, rounded or sometimes subcordate at the base, short-acuminate, glabrous or pubescent on the veins beneath: strobiles cylindric-oblong, 1-1¾ in. long; wings of nutlet often 4 times narrower than its body. Caucasus. Gt. 36, p. 384.—B. occidentalis, Nutt.. not Hook.-B. fontinalis.—B. Purpusii, Schneid. (B. lutea xpumila). Shrubby or small tree: Lvs. oblong-ovate, 1-2 in. long, with 7-9 pairs of veins, soft-pubescent beneath. Intro, to Eu. from Mich.—B. Raddeana, Trautv. Tree: Lvs. ovate-pubescent on the veins beneath, with 6-7 pairs of veins, 1-2 in. long: strobiles oblong, upright, ¾ in. long; wings as broad as nutlet. Caucasus. Gt. 36, p. 384.—B. rhombifolia, Nutt.-B. fontinalia.
	}}		}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 7 February 2010
Line 1:		Line 1:
		+	{{SPlantbox
		+	\|common_name=Birch
		+	\|Temp Metric=°F
		+	\|jumpin=If this plant info box on watering; zones; height; etc. is mostly empty you can click on the edit tab and fill in the blanks!
		+	\|image=Upload.png
		+	\|image_width=240
		+	}}
		+	{{Inc\|
		+	Betula (ancient Latin name). Betulaceae. Birch. Ornamental deciduous woody plants grown chiefly for their bright green handsome foliage. Page 3566.
		+
		+	Trees or shrubs: winter-buds usually conspicuous, sessile, with several imbricate scales: Lvs. alternate, petioled, serrate or crenate: fls. monoecious, apetalous, in catkins, staminate formed in autumn and remaining naked during the winter, every scale bearing 3 fls., each with a minute 4-toothed calyx and with 2 stamens divided at the apex; pistillate catkins oblong or cylindrical, bearing 3 naked ovaries in the axil of every scale consisting of 3 connate bracts: fr. a minute nut, often erroneously called seed, with membranous wines, dropping at maturity with the 3-pointed scales from the slender rachis of the strobile.—About 35 species in N. Amer., Eu., N. and Cent. Asia, especially in the northern regions. No tree goes farther north than the birch, in N. Amer. B. papyrifera reaches 66° north latitude, and in Eu. B. pubescens goes to the N. Cape, and is still a forest tree at 70°. Monogr. by Regel: Monographische Bearbeitung der Betulaceae (1861); and in Do Candolle, Prodromus, 16, 2, p. 162 (1869); and by Winkler in Engler's Pflanzenreich: Betulaceae, p. 56, quoted below as W. B.
		+
		+	The birches are often conspicuous on account of their colored bark, and slender usually pendulous staminate catkins before the leaves and much smaller pistillate catkins, followed by subglobose to cylindric strobiles. The hard and tough wood is often used in the manufacture of furniture and of many small articles, in making charcoal, and for fuel; from the bark, boxes, baskets, and many small articles are made; also canoes from that of the B. papyrifera; in Russia and Siberia it is used in tanning leather. The sap of some species is used as a beverage. The birches are very ornamental park trees, hardy, except two or three Himalayan species, and especially valuable for colder climates. They are essentially northern trees and are short-lived in warmer regions, particularly mountain species like B. lutea, while B. nigra and B. lenta are better suited for a warmer climate than most other species. Their foliage is rarely attacked by insects, and turns to a bright or orange-yellow in fall. Their graceful habit, the slender, often pendulous branches, and the picturesque trunks make them conspicuous features of the landscape. Especially remarkable are those with white bark, as B. papyrifera, B. populifolia, B. pendula, B. Ermanii, and also B. Maximowiczii with yellow bark.
		+
		+	Most birches prefer moist, sandy and loamy soil; but some, as B. pendula and B. populifolia, grow as satisfactorily in dry localities and poor soil as in swamps and bogs, and they are especially valuable in replanting deserted grounds as nurses for other trees; both are comparatively short-lived trees.
		+
		+	Propagation is readily accomplished by seeds, gathered at maturity and sown in fall, or usually kept dry during the winter, or stratified; but B. nigra, which ripens its fruits in June, must be sown at once, and by fall the seedlings will be several inches high. The seeds should be sown in sandy soil, rather thick, as the percentage of perfect seeds is not very large, slightly or not at all covered, but pressed firmly into the ground and kept moist and shady. The seedlings must be transplanted when one year old. Rarer species and varieties are grafted, usually on B. lenta, B. papyrifera, B. nigra or B. pendula. Cleft or tongue-grafting in early spring, on potted stock in the greenhouse, is the best method. Budding in summer is also sometimes practised. Shrubby forms may also be increased by layers, and B. nana by greenwood cuttings under glass.
		+	}}
		+
	{{Taxobox		{{Taxobox
	\| color = lightgreen		\| color = lightgreen

@@ Line 106: / Line 106: @@
 <gallery>
-Image:Birchandma
+Image:Birchandma ple.jpg|Birch tree (foreground), showing characteristic white bark
 Image:Birchbark.jpg|Closeup of [[Silver Birch]] bark
 Image:BirchBark2.JPG|A gnarled Silver Birch bark

@@ Line 68: / Line 68: @@
 ==Uses==
-Birches are versatile trees. T
+[[image:Birchtrees.jpg|250px|right|thumb]]
-he [[sap (plant)|sap]], bark, leaves, wood, twigs, and roots are used for food, construction materials, drums, medicinal treatments, [[lubricant]]s, and other practical applications.
+Birches are versatile trees. The [[sap (plant)|sap]], bark, leaves, wood, twigs, and roots are used for food, construction materials, drums, medicinal treatments, [[lubricant]]s, and other practical applications.
 Due to birch [[Wood pulp|pulp]]’s short-fibre qualities, this [[hardwood]] can be used to make printing paper.