Alder tree

Alder Tree

The Alder Tree is a common name for a genus of flowering plants, belonging to the birch family Betulaceae. The genus comprises about 35 species of monoecious trees and shrubs, a few reaching a large size, distributed throughout the north temperate zone.

Taxonomy

The scientific name of the Alder Tree is Alnus. The genus was first described by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal publication 'Species Plantarum' in 1753.

Description

Alder trees are generally small to medium-sized trees that can reach heights of 20-30 meters. The leaves are alternate, simple, and serrated. The flowers are catkins with elongate male catkins on the same plant as shorter female catkins, often before leaves appear; they are mainly wind-pollinated, but also visited by bees to a small extent.

Distribution and Habitat

Alder trees are commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere, in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia. They are typically found in wet locations, and often in riparian zones, growing alongside rivers and streams.

Uses

Alder wood is often used for smoking fish and meat, as it imparts a distinct flavor. The bark of the Alder Tree has been used in traditional medicine for its astringent and antiseptic properties.

Ecology

Alder trees play a significant role in forest ecosystems. Their ability to fix nitrogen allows them to improve soil fertility, and their fast growth rate makes them useful for reforestation efforts.

See Also

• Birch
• Betulaceae
• Carl Linnaeus

References

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