Himalayan birch
Betula utilis

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 35 m tall. The bark is dark brown and peels off in thin flakes. The leaves are oval and flowers are in groups. They hang down. The small nuts are broadly oval and 2-3 mm long by 1.5-2 mm wide.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows up to 4,500 m above sea level. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Sikkim, Tasmania, Tibet

How it is used for food

The bark (or resin) is ground and used as a tea substitute. Or as a flavouring addition to tea.

Edible parts

Bark - tea, stems - water

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bhojpatra, Da gua, Lekh kapasay, Sanglikung, Shak

Synonyms

Betula albosinensis var. septentrionalis C. K. Schneid.; Betula bhojpattra Lindl. ex Wall.; Betula bhojpattra var. glandulifera Regel; Betula bhojpattra var. latifolia Regel; Betula castanae Buch.-Ham. ex Hook.f.; Betula utilis var. glandulifera Regel; Betula utilis var. latifolia Regel; Betula utilis var. utilis;