Article
Variation and taxonomy of Betula uber, B. Lenta, and B. alleghaniensis
Brittonia
(1984)
Abstract
Morphological variation was analyzed in the endangered Betula uber and sympatric dark-barked tree birches, B. lenta and B. alleghaniensis, to determine the extent of differences among the three taxa. Univariate and multivariate analyses of leaf and fruit characters indicated that the three taxa are morphologically distinct, that B. uber is more similar to B. lenta than to B. alleghaniensis, that intermediates between B. uber and B. lenta do not occur, and that leaves are necessary for absolute separation of B. uber from B. lenta because of overlap of fruit characters. Field observations of the bark indicate no differences between B. uber and B. lenta while those of growth form suggest that B. uber may have a more compact crown than B. lenta. The evidence presented here supports an alliance of B. uber with the dark-barked tree birches (series Costatae).
Disciplines
Publication Date
1984
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2307/2806532
Citation Information
Terry L. Sharik. "Variation and taxonomy of Betula uber, B. Lenta, and B. alleghaniensis" Brittonia Vol. 36 Iss. 3 (1984) p. 307 - 316 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/terry_sharik/161/