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 luminifera is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for the commercial use of its wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China

Habitat

Broad-leaved forests on sunny mountain slopes; at elevations from 200 - 2,900 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	20.00 m

Cultivation Details

Betula luminifera grows at low to moderate elevations in the temperate to subtropical zones of China, where it can be found in hardiness zones from 5 - 9.
Succeeds in a well-drained loamy soil in a sunny, sheltered position[, ].
Species in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
Hybridizes freely with several other members of this genus[, ]. This species is closely allied to the Himalayan Betula alnoides[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is hard, close grained, and fine textured, and is used for construction and making agricultural tools and furniture[].

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[, , , ].