Bereza

Bereza is a genus of trees in the family Betulaceae, commonly known as birch trees. These deciduous trees are widespread in the temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Birches are characterized by their distinctive bark, which is often thin, papery, and peels in horizontal strips, revealing different colors and textures underneath depending on the species. The bark can range from white and gray to reddish-brown and even black.

The leaves of birch trees are typically simple, toothed, and arranged alternately on the stem. They are usually ovate or triangular in shape and turn yellow in the autumn before falling. Birches are monoecious, meaning they have separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The flowers appear in catkins, which are long, drooping clusters. After pollination, the female catkins develop into small, winged seeds.

Several species of birch exist, each with slightly different characteristics. Some of the most well-known include the silver birch (Betula pendula) and the downy birch (Betula pubescens) in Europe, and the paper birch (Betula papyrifera) in North America. Birches are relatively fast-growing trees and are often found in mixed forests, particularly in northern climates. They are important ecologically, providing food and habitat for various wildlife. Historically, birch bark has been used for a variety of purposes, including writing material, canoes, and roofing. Birch wood is also used in furniture making, cabinetry, and as firewood.