Betulaceae
(Birch Family)
Habit
-
monoecious shrubs or trees
Leaves
-
alternate,
simple,
stipulate
Flowers
-
imperfect,
regular;
staminate inflorescence a
catkin;
pistillate inflorescences also a
catkin of very reduced flowers
Sepals
- 2-4 (6) and
distinct in
staminate flowers; 2-4, very reduced,
connate and
adnate to
ovary or absent in
pistillate flowers
Petals
- absent
Stamens
- 2-6, mostly
distinct
Ovary
-
inferior (or
superior) of 2
connate carpels with 1
locule above and 2
locules at base with 1
axile ovule per
locule
Fruit
- a
nut or
2-winged
samara
Diversity
- 6 genera / 150 species
Distribution
- of North Temperate regions or tropical mountains
Economics
- Important riparian trees (Alder/Birch); timber; nuts (hazelnuts or filberts); and cultivated ornamentals....
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