桦木科Betulaceae.docVIP

桦木科Betulaceae 1-Floral Formula In the Betulaceae, the flowers are imperfect and the plants are monoecious. Separate floral formulas are given for the male (staminate) flowers and for the female (carpellate) flowers. Note that in carpellate flowers there are 2 syncarpous carpels and the ovary is inferior. 2-Introduction The Betulaceae are mostly found in the northern part of the North Temperate region. They are frequent in mountain habitats and in deciduous forests. 3-Woody habit Betulaceae are all woody plants, either trees or shrubs. This tree is Betula nigra, river birch. 4-Peeling Birch Bark Betula nigra, river birch, has peeling bark that is very ornamental. 5-Smooth Birch Bark Many birches have smooth bark, like Betula papyrifera, the native paperbark birch, which was used by Native Americans to make canoes. This slide is of a cultivar of a species native to the Himalaya, Betula utilis Jermyns. 6-Betula catkins Branch of Betula pendula showing hanging staminate (male) catkins and erect carpellate (female) catkins; the flowers are imperfect and the plants are monoecious. 7-Betula male flowers Macro photograph of male cymules of Betula pendula. 8-Betula female catkins Macro photograph of female catkins of Betula pendula. 9-Alnus catkins Branches of Alnus glutinosa with hanging male catkins, tiny female catkins, and last years cone-like fruiting structures. 10-Alnus female catkin Macro photograph of female catkins of Alnus cordata, the one on the left in longitudinal section; note the styles. 11-Corylus avellata Corylus avellana Contorta, commonly called Harry Lauders Walking Stick after a vaudeville comedian. Note the hanging male catkins. 12-Corylus catkins Branch of American hazelnut, Corylus americana, with hanging male catkins and erect female catkins, the flowers imperfect and the plants monoecious. 13-Corylus