Species of the genus Betula are a difficult group taxonomically because of their high vegetative variability and frequent hybridization. Many species have been founded on only slight differences and many of these have subsequently been reduced to synonymy. Many morphologic and cytologic studies have attempted to deal with variation within the genus or its subgroups. Species of Betula form a polyploid series, with chromosome numbers of 2 n = 28, , , , and 112, plus additional numbers in some hybrids.

Common Name: Indian Paper Birch

General Information

Betula utilis is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 35 metres tall[].
A valuable timber tree of commercial importance[], the tree is also harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials.
This species has a wide distribution and is common. However, it is exploited for its medicinal uses and over exploitation is particularly high in parts of its range. It is not thought that these threats are large enough to impact upon the species across its whole range. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Central Asiia from Kazakhstan through Afghanistan and the Himalayas of Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan to central China

Habitat

Forests at the upper height limit of tree growth[], rarely found below 3,000 metres[]. Moist hillsides; at elevations from 2,000 - 4,000 metres in Nepal[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Betula utilis is generally hardy in much of the temperate zone, especially provenances from China. Provenances from the Himalayas, however, are said to be more tender and to not do well outside of the warmest regions of the temperate zone.
Succeeds in a well-drained loamy soil in a sheltered position[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes wet soils[]. Shade tolerant[]. Plants are showing good wind-resistance on our Cornish trial ground[].
Hybridizes freely with several other members of this genus[, ].
A good plant to grow near the compost heap, aiding the fermentation process[].
This tree is regarded as a sacred plant in the Himalaya region[].
Species in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the bark is antiseptic and carminative[, , ]. It has been used in the treatment of hysteria and jaundice[, , ]. It is applied as drops to the ears to relieve earache[].
A paste made from the bark is used as a poultice on cuts, wounds and burns[].

A paste of the resin is applied to boils. People in the Kumaon region of Utter Pradesh, India, west of Nepal, use the resin for contraceptive purposes[].

The stem and the roots are used in the treatment of rheumatism, anaemia, coughs and as a wash for cuts and wounds[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses[].

Other Uses

A paper is made from the inner bark[, , ].
The outer bark can be carefully peeled off the tree (this does not harm the tree) and used as a paper[]. In the past, the outer bark was a substitute for paper, mainly for the inscription of religious texts. Today this 'paper' continues to have many uses, such as for packaging, roof construction, making umbrella covers, as a bandage, cigarette paper, and for various religious Hindu ceremonies[].

The outer bark can also be used as a waterproofing and for roofing houses[, , ].

The bark is sometimes used as an incense[].

The heartwood is pinkish or light reddish brown with a silky lustre[]. The wood is tough, even grained, dense, moderately hard, elastic according to some reports, whilst others say it is rather brittle. It is used for various construction purposes[, , , , , ].
The wood is commonly used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame[, , , ]. Only just cover the seed and place the pot in a sunny position[, , ]. Spring sown seed should be surface sown in a sunny position in a cold frame[, ]. If the germination is poor, raising the temperature by covering the seed with glass can help[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
If you have sufficient seed, it can be sown in an outdoor seedbed, either as soon as it is ripe or in the early spring - do not cover the spring sown seed. Grow the plants on in the seedbed for 2 years before planting them out into their permanent positions in the winter[, , , ].