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:

General Information

Betula kweichowensis is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its essential oil. It can be grown as an ornamental, producing excellent autumn colour[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central to southern China (Guizhou, W Hubei, Sichuan)

Habitat

Broad-leaved forests; at elevations from 1,400 - 3,400 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Betula kweichowensis is found at moderate to high elevations in the subtropical zone of China, growing mainly in hardiness zone 9. It has grown very well outdoors at various sites in England (hardiness zone 7 - 8)[].
This species grows best in heavy wet clay soils and its roots are clearly tolerant of poor aeration. It is sensitive to
drought, surviving, but growing much more slowly and not so tall, on drier soils[]. Succeeds in a well-drained loamy soil in a sunny, sheltered position[, ].
Hybridizes freely with several other members of this genus[, ].
Species in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark, timber, leaves, and buds yield a fragrant oil[].

The wood of species that grow to a large size has many uses, including the manufacture of doors and windows, flooring, cabinetry, interior molding, wood paneling, furniture, and plywood[].

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[, , , ].
Cuttings from young trees root relatively easily, though it is difficult to root cuttings from more mature fruiting trees[].