Monday, April 9, 2012

Poplar Tree

Populus or Poplar is a genus of about 35 species of desicuous flowering plants from the family Salicaceae which is native to most of the Northern Hemishphere. Poplar trees include species from poplar, aspen and cottonwood types of poplar trees. Western Balsam Poplar was the first tree to have its full DNA code sequenced in September in 2006.

This genus has a large genetic diversity. It can grow It can grow anywhere from 15 to 50 metres tall and its trunks around 2.5 metres in diameter. The bark si smooth and white greenish color. The shoots are stout. The flowers are mostly dioecious and they are produced in early spring befire the leaves. They are each seated in a cup shaped disk.

There is both male and female flowers. Male flowers have a group from 4 to 60 stamens inserted in a disk. Pollination is occured by wind. The fruit is a dehiscent capsule with light brown seeds. Poplars are usually grown as ornamental trees and there are numerous cultivars used. These trees are known fro growing very big and very fast. They are really easy to propagate. They are widely grown across Europe and southwest Asia.

Poplar tree have extensive root systems that can trail up to 80 metres from the trees, so they are not recommended to plant close to house or water pipes which can result in damaged foundations and cracked walls.

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