Alnus nepalensis aka Himalayan Alder

Aln nepalensis, also as Utis in Nepali Nepalese alder in English, is a deciduous alder tree found in theropical highlands of the Himalayas. It reach heights of up to 30 meters and has a diameter of 60 cm. The tree has silver-gray bark and its leaves are alternate, simple, and shallowly toothed, with prominent parallel veins. The leaves are a strong green color, paler beneath, and do not exhibit autumn coloration. The tree produces catkins, with separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The male catkins are long and cream-colored, hanging in large clusters in autumn. The female woody cones develop later, sitting upright on the bare branches in clusters. Interestingly, the flowers are produced in the autumn, with the seeds maturing the following year. Alnus nepalensis is versatile in terms of soil tolerance, growing well in deep volcanic loamy soils, clay, sand, and gravel. It thrives in moist environments, particularly streamside locations, but can also adapt to slopes. This alder species is often used in land reclamation, as firewood, and for the production of charcoal. It is a fast-growing tree and is sometimes planted for erosion control and land recovery in shifting cultivation practices. The tree has nodules on its roots that fix nitrogen, contributing to soil fertility. Its wood is moderately soft and is occasionally used for making boxes and light construction. However, its primary use is as firewood, as it burns evenly but rapidly. Indigenous ethnic groups in different regions, such as H'mong, Nung, and Thu Lao in Simacai district, Lao Cai province, Northern Vietnam, prefer this tree species for regreening and enriching forests using their local knowledge. Propagation of Alnus nepalensis can be done through seed sowing in nurseries for later transplantation or through direct seeding. In Burma, the seeds are broadcasted during the final years of shifting cultivation. The tree has a strong coppicing ability, but regrowth appears to depend on the season. In aseasonal situations, such as in Hawaii, the trees can coppice year-round. Overall, Alnus nepalensis is a valuable tree species with multiple uses and benefits in its native Himalayan habitat.