Betula utilis

Betula utilis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fagales
Family: Betulaceae
Genus: Betula
Subgenus: Betula subg. Neurobetula
Species:
B. utilis
Binomial name
Betula utilis
Synonyms

B. bhojpatra Wall.

Betula utilis, the Himalayan birch (bhojpatra, Sanskrit: भूर्ज bhūrjá), is a deciduous tree native to the Western Himalayas, growing at elevations up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft). The Latin specific epithet utilis means "useful", and refers to the many uses of the different parts of the tree.[2] The white, paper-like bark was used in ancient times as a writing surface for manuscripts of Sanskrit literature.[3] It is still used as paper for the writing of mantras, with the bark placed in an amulet and worn for protection.[4] Selected varieties are used for landscaping throughout the world, even while some areas of its native habitat are being lost due to overuse of the tree for firewood.

  1. ^ Shaw, K., Roy, S. & Wilson (2014). "Betula utilis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species". IUCN Red List. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T194535A2346136.en. Retrieved 2022-08-05.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Liu, Cuirong; Elvin, Mark (1998). Sediments of time: environment and society in Chinese history. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. p. 65. ISBN 0-521-56381-X.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Müller was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Wheeler was invoked but never defined (see the help page).