Ostrya carpinifolia, the European hop-hornbeam, is a tree in the family Betulaceae. It is the only species of the genus Ostrya that is native to Europe.
The specific epithet carpinifolia means "hornbeam-leaved", from carpinus, the Latin word for "hornbeam".
Common name
The name hophornbeam is derived from the ancient Greek name of a hard wood tree.[1]
Description
Ostrya carpinifolia is a broadleaf deciduous tree, that can reach up to 21 metres (69 ft).[2] It has a conical or irregular crown and a scaly, rough bark, and alternate and double-toothed birch-like leaves 3–10 cm long. The leaves are many-veined with 11-15 pairs and have a slightly hairy or smooth underside.[1]
The flowers are produced in spring, with male catkins 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long and female catkins 2–5 cm (3⁄4–2 in) long. The fruit form in pendulous clusters 3–8 cm (1+1⁄4–3+1⁄4 in) long with 6–20 seeds; each seed is a small nut 2–4 mm (1⁄16–3⁄16 in) long, fully enclosed in a bladder-like involucre.
The wood is very heavy and hard, and was historically used to fashion plane soles. Other uses have included in the manufacture of wooden cogs and gears.[1]
Ostrya are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.
References
^ abcdVětvička, Václav. Lawrence, Eleanor (ed.). The Illustrated Book of Trees & Shrubs. Translated by Kuthan, Ivan; Kuthanová, Vlasta. Illustrated by Mašek, Jan. Octopus Books. p. 143. ISBN0706420853.
^"hop-hornbeam". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
