Betuloides

Betuloides refers to a group of plants belonging to the family Betulaceae, commonly known as the birch family. This group is not a formal taxonomic rank but rather a descriptive term used to categorize species that share characteristics with true birches (Betula) or are closely related to them. Members of the Betulaceae family are typically deciduous trees and shrubs found in temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Other genera within Betulaceae include Alnus (alders), Carpinus (hornbeams), and Corylus (hazels).

Plants described as betuloides often exhibit similar leaf shapes, fruit types, or growth habits to birches. For example, they might have serrated leaves and produce small, winged seeds enclosed in a bract. The wood of these trees is generally light in color and fine-grained, often used for furniture, plywood, and pulp. While not as widely cultivated or recognized as true birches, the plants encompassed by the term betuloides play important ecological roles in their native habitats, contributing to forest biodiversity and soil health. Their presence can indicate specific soil conditions and climate types.