Betula nigra catkins long, the male catkins pendulous, the female catkins erect. The fruit is unusual among birches in maturing in late spring; it is composed of numerous tiny winged seeds packed between the catkin bracts. "Betula nigra" is a tree that falls into the family of Betulaceae, which is commonly known as the Birch or Alder Family. This family comprises six genera ("Alnus, Betula, Carpinus, Corylus, Ostrya," and "Ostryopsis)" and includes alders, birches, hornbeams, and hazelnuts. Species within this family, along with "Betula nigra", are shrubs or trees that grow along stream sides or in poorly drained soils throughout the Northern
Fuchsia excorticata Fuchsia excorticata Fuchsia excorticata, commonly known as tree fuchsia, New Zealand fuchsia and by its Māori name kōtukutuku, is a New Zealand native tree belonging to the family Onagraceae. It is commonly found throughout New Zealand and as far south as the Auckland Islands. It grows from sea level up to about , particularly alongside creeks and rivers. It is easily recognised in its native environment by the characteristic appearance of its bark, which peels spontaneously, hanging in red papery strips to show a pale bark underneath. Its scientific name, "excorticata", reflects this distinctive property. "Fuchsia excorticata" is the largest