Indian birch

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Himalayan birch
• Indian Birch
• Naga birch

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Betula nitida var. affinis
• Betula alnoides var. acuminata
• Betula cylindrostachya var. pilosa
• Betula cylindrostachya var. subglabra
• Betula acuminata var. arguta
• Betula acuminata var. glabra
• Betula acuminata var. lancifolia
• Betula acuminata var. pilosa
• Betula affinis
• Betula nitida
• Betulaster acuminata
• Betulaster affinis
• Betulaster nitida

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fagales, it is classified under the family Betulaceae and the genus Betula.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. The species also extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically found in the state of Assam. Furthermore, its range includes the nation of Bangladesh. Together, these locations highlight the plant's broad habitat across southern and eastern territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Betula alnoidea is characterized by its adaptation to specific altitudinal gradients within its native habitats, where it thrives across a significant vertical span. This species is primarily distributed within an elevational range that extends from a minimum of 800 m AMSL to a maximum of 2740 m AMSL. Occupying these montane and subalpine zones, the plant plays a vital role in the structural complexity of its ecosystem, often colonizing areas where soil moisture and temperature fluctuations are dictated by the varying elevations. Its ability to persist across such a broad altitudinal spectrum allows it to navigate diverse microclimates, ranging from temperate mid-elevation belts to the harsher, more exposed conditions found near its upper elevational limits.

Elevational range max:

2740 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

800 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Betula alnoiides is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its reproductive buds are located on elevated branches well above the ground, a structural adaptation that defines its life form. The plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, shedding its foliage annually as part of its seasonal cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Betula alnoides is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, typically reaching a mean plant height of 30 m. As a self-supporting organism, it does not exhibit climbing habits such as lianas or vines, nor does it function as an epiphyte or a parasite, maintaining an independent existence. This species is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, lacking any aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations. Its structural integrity is defined by a robust, woody growth form, allowing it to maintain a substantial vertical presence in its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

30 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Betula alnoiides is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a common adaptation for temperate species to optimize carbon fixation under moderate conditions. The leaf morphology features an ovate form with distinct toothed margins, and while the plant does not possess leaf thorns, it does exhibit the presence of leaf spines. The leaf architecture is further defined by a consistent Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 135.0631068 cm²/g across its minimum, mean, and maximum recorded values, reflecting a standardized leaf mass per unit area. Regarding its structural composition, the stem possesses a specific density (SSD) of 641.5 mg/cm³, contributing to its mechanical integrity. Additionally, this species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, relying instead on external soil nutrient availability for its metabolic processes.

Leaf form :

ovate

Leaf margin :

toothed

Leaf spines :

yes

Leaf thorns :

no

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) min:

135.0631068 cm²/g

Stem specific density (SSD) mean:

641.5 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Betula alnoidea is characterized by an abiotic pollination syndrome, relying primarily on wind as the medium for pollen transfer. This wind-driven mechanism ensures the fertilization process is driven by environmental currents rather than biotic vectors such as insects or birds. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces highly specialized seeds that exhibit a consistent and minute mass, with a mean, maximum, and minimum seed mass all recorded at exactly 0.00011 g. These lightweight seeds are adapted for an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, meaning they are specifically evolved to be carried and distributed across the landscape by the wind, allowing for efficient colonization of new habitats.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Seed mass mean:

0.00011 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Betula alnoides has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. PloS one
2. Advances in pharmacological sciences

Chemicals

Betula alnoides has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Flavonoid, Flavonoids, Gallic acid.

Betulin

1. Advances in pharmacological sciences

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Flavonoid

1. Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology

Flavonoids

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Gallic acid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Lupeol

1. Advances in pharmacological sciences

OLEANOLIC ACID

1. Advances in pharmacological sciences

SINAPIC ACID

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Ursolic acid

1. Advances in pharmacological sciences

arbutin

1. Journal of cosmetic science

Activities

Betula alnoides has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antioxidant.

Analgesic

1. PloS one

Antioxidant

1. Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology

Medicinal Uses

Betula alnoides has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV, analgesic, diseases, snake bites, wounds.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations