Birch Birch A birch is a thin-leaved deciduous hardwood tree of the genus Betula (), in the family Betulaceae, which also includes alders, hazels, and hornbeams. It is closely related to the beech-oak family Fagaceae. The genus "Betula" contains 30 to 60 known taxa of which 11 are on the IUCN 2011 Green List of Threatened Species. They are a typically rather short-lived pioneer species widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in northern areas of temperate climates and in boreal climates. Birch species are generally small to medium-sized trees or shrubs, mostly of northern temperate and boreal climates. The simple leaves
Citrus gummy bark viroid observed in longitudinal sections. Citrus gummy bark viroid The citrus gummy bark viroid (abbreviated CGBVd) is a sub-species of the hop stunt viroid, and thus is a member of the genus Hostuviroid. As the name suggests, the citrus gummy bark viroid causes problems in the bark of the sweet orange tree. Scrapping the bark exposes localized spots or a line of reddish-brown, gum-impregnated tissue around the scion circumference especially visible near the bud union. The discoloration and gumming may extend above the bud union to the main branches of the sweet orange while in severe infection dark streaks of gum-impregnated