Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Fagales Engl.
Family
Betulaceae
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Betula L., Sp. Pl. 982-983 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Birch
 Description

Trees or shrubs. Buds sessile, with several imbricate scales. Lvs toothed, few- to many-veined. ♂ catkins formed in autumn, opening in spring often before the lvs; fls with a bract and 2 bracteoles; fls 3 in the axil of each bract; perianth minute, 4-lobed; stamens 2, divided below the anthers. ♀ catkins shorter; fls in groups of 3 each with a bract and 2 bracteoles. Fruiting catkins cylindric to oblong or narrow-ovoid; scales 3-lobed, ± membranous, falling at fr. maturity. Fr. small; wing broad or narrow.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
Number of species in New Zealand within Betula L.
CategoryNumber
Exotic: Fully Naturalised1
Exotic: Casual1
Total2
 Bibliography
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.