Alnus nitida, the west Himalayan alder, is a species in the genus Alnus, native to Pakistan, the western Himalayas, and Nepal.[3] It is a tree reaching 20 to 25 m, preferring to live along the banks of rivers. It is used locally for timber and firewood, and as a street tree.[4] The bark is used in some places for tanning and dyeing purposes.[5] It grows well in heavy, clay soils and tolerates infertile soils.[6] The leaves are thin, oval to ovate, 3-6 inches long and 2-3 inches wide.[7] Female flowers appear first, followed by male catkinss in September to October, which may be up to 19 cm long.[5] The fruits are woody cones, typically 2.5-3.5 cm long.[8]
Alnus nitida | |
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Botanical illustration | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Fagales |
Family: | Betulaceae |
Genus: | Alnus |
Species: | A. nitida
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Binomial name | |
Alnus nitida | |
Synonyms[3] | |
Clethropsis nitida Spach |
This tree may be attacked by the apple stem borer (Trirachys holosericeus).[9]
In some places, the bark is used as an anti-inflammatory. One study examined its chemical components and concluded it has antioxidant potential.[10]