Information about Betula alnoides subsp. luminifera

Betula alnoides subsp. luminifera is a subspecies of Betula alnoides, commonly known as the Chinese red birch or Chinese alder-leaf birch. It is a deciduous tree that is native to the subtropical regions of eastern Asia, including China, Vietnam, and Laos.

This subspecies is known for its distinctive reddish-brown bark that peels in thin, papery strips, revealing a smooth, cream-colored bark underneath. Its leaves are dark green and ovate, with serrated edges, and turn yellow in the fall before dropping. The tree produces catkins in the spring that mature into cone-like structures containing winged seeds.

Betula alnoides subsp. luminifera is commonly used in landscaping and horticulture due to its attractive bark and leaves, as well as its adaptability to a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. It is also used in traditional medicine for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, like many birch species, it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, including bronze birch borer and birch dieback.