Family Name: Betulaceae
Botanical Name(s): Betula lenta
Popular Name(s): Sweet Birch, Cherry Birch, Mahogany Birch,
Mountain Mahogany, Spice Birch
Parts Used: Inner bark and twigs
Habitat: Black Birch is native to eastern North America.
Description: Black Birch is a deciduous tree growing up to a
height of 20 m. Its twigs, when scraped, have a strong scent of oil of
wintergreen. The leaves are pointed, alternate, ovate, 5-10 cm in length
and 4-8 cm in breadth. The male trees bear flowers about 3 inches long.
Female catkins produce flowers about 1 inch long. It fruits are composed
of numerous tiny winged seeds which are packed between the catkin
bracts.
Uses: Black Birch has anthelmintic, astringent and diuretic
properties. A tea made from the inner bark is used as a mouthwash and in
diarrhoea, rheumatism, gout and boils. It purifies the blood also.
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