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Betula utilis

Himalayan birch

Betula utilis, commonly known as the Himalayan birch, is a resilient tree native to the high altitudes of the Himalayas. Renowned for its distinctive peeling bark, this medicinal plant offers various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, traditionally used in herbal remedies to treat skin ailments and respiratory issues.

  • Scientific name: Betula utilis
  • Family: Betulaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Fagales and the family Betulaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Betula, specifically as the species Betula utilis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fagales WCVP
Family Betulaceae WCVP
Genus Betula WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Betula utilis, is recognized by several different common names depending on the language and region. In Polish, it is called Brzoza pożyteczna, while in German, it is referred to as Himalaya-Birke. Its names in other languages include Himalaya-Birk in Danish, himalajankoivu in Finnish, and भोजपत्र in Hindi.
Language Common Name Source
pl Brzoza pożyteczna Wikidata
da Himalaya-Birk Wikidata
de Himalaya-Birke Wikidata
fi himalajankoivu Wikidata
hi भोजपत्र Wikidata
koi Гималаись кыдз Wikidata
ne भोजपत्र Wikidata
nl Witte Himalayaberk Wikidata
pnb بھوج پتر Wikidata
ru Берёза полезная Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Betula utilis, exhibits a distinct geographical range spanning across several key regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be identified within Great Britain. Moving eastward, it is widely distributed throughout the vast landscapes of Central Asia. Specifically, it flourishes in the territories of Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan. Furthermore, the species is also established within the borders of Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Central Asia Kazakhstan WCVP
Central Asia Kirgizstan WCVP
Central Asia Tadzhikistan WCVP
Central Asia Uzbekistan WCVP
Western Asia Afghanistan WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the Himalayan birch, utilizes its leaf parts as a significant component in traditional medicinal practices. The leaves are characterized by an ovate shape with serrated margins and a somewhat shiny surface, containing various bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic properties. When processed, these leaf parts are often used in infusions or decoctions to address ailments such as inflammation and digestive issues, showcasing the functional importance of the plant's foliage in herbal medicine.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaf parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Betula utilis has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoid.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Betula utilis has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆