Bjørkekorn

Bjørkekorn is a term used in certain contexts to refer to the seed or reproductive unit of the birch tree (Betula). While not a technically precise botanical term like "samara" or "achene," it is often used colloquially, particularly in Scandinavian languages, to describe the small, winged seeds that birch trees produce. These seeds are typically very light and are dispersed by wind, a method known as anemochory.

The structure of a birch seed is a small nutlet enclosed by a papery wing, which aids in its aerial dispersal. This wing is an extension of the fruit wall. Following pollination, the female catkins of the birch tree mature and release these seeds, usually in late summer or autumn. The seeds are a food source for various small birds and rodents. The term bjørkekorn emphasizes the small, grain-like appearance of these dispersed units.