The Genus Betula

Birches or Betula are among the most attractive and common trees in the landscape and in gardens. The Genus Betula is the first monograph published on this plant group, the species of which have been notoriously difficult to identify. Accounts are given of all known birches found in Europe, Asia and North America, both white and brown barked, and a key for their identification. An invaluable tool for arboriculturalists and professional and amateur gardeners, and will also appeal to lovers of botanical art.

The genus Betula, generally known as birch, belongs to the family Betulaceae. There are about 83 recognized species of Betula, all of which are essential ecological components of northern temperate and boreal woodlands in many parts of the world. The species of this genus have a good tolerance to freezing temperature and water deficit, as well as high sensitivity to UV-B exposure. The chemical composition of Betula pubescens Ehrh. and Betula pendula Roth. buds is assessed, providing data on their biological activities. Betula species show antiarthritic, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory activities, and the authors propose that it is important to consider the biopharmaceutical properties of the secondary metabolites for further development.

This is the first monograph to cover the commercially, ecologically, and horticulturally important genus Betula. The highly ornamental and hardy birch species are fully detailed with botanical and horticultural information that is accessible to both the general reader and the specialist.

The genus Betula is a hugely important one, commercially, ecologically and horticulturally. The majority of species are highly ornamental and hardy in temperate gardens, providing year-round interest, with ornamental bark, attractive foliage, excellent autumn colour and a variety of sizes and habits. Detailed botanical and horticultural information is given, accessible to both the general reader and the specialist. The book includes: - The genus Betula in the wild: Geography, ecology, reproduction and conservation - Birch and man: Ethnobotany, economic uses and garden uses - Cultivation and propagation: Choosing birch species, cultivation, propagation, combining birch with other plants, pests and diseases - Betula species: Over 50 species covered, including information on naming, description, geography and ecology, cultivation and propagation - Appendices: Suppliers, societies, glossary and bibliography

The Genus Tulipa is the most complete survey of tulip species to date. Each species is illustrated Diana Everett, with accompanying colour photographs of the plants in habitat and distribution maps. The high level of detail provided in this book makes identification possible for the many species of tulips. Additional material includes check lists of tulip species and their synonyms, as well as country by country check list; glossary with diagrams; information on nurseries selling tulips; and full bibliography.

Below the soil surface, the rhizosphere is the dynamic interface among plant roots, soil microbes and fauna, and the soil itself, where biological as well as physico-chemical properties differ radically from those of bulk soil. The Rhizosphere is the first ecologically-focused book that explicitly establishes the links from extraordinarily small-scale processes in the rhizosphere to larger-scale belowground patterns and processes. This book includes chapters that emphasize the effects of rhizosphere biology on long-term soil development, agro-ecosystem management and responses of ecosystems to global change. Overall, the volume seeks to spur development of cross-scale links for understanding belowground function in varied natural and managed ecosystems. First cross-scale ecologically-focused integration of information at the frontier of root, microbial, and soil faunal biology Establishes the links from extraordinarily small-scale processes in the rhizosphere to larger-scale belowground patterns and processes Includes valuable information on ecosystem response to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and enhanced global nitrogen deposition Chapters written by a variety of experts, including soil scientists, microbial and soil faunal ecologists, and plant biologists