Stone Birch

Stone birch (Betula ermanii) is being considered from the ecologists point of view. The phenomenological characteristic of the Kamchatka stone birch forests is presented. Some aspects of the wood, bark, sap, foliage, and buds usage in the commodity production, folk medicine and handicraft industry are unveiled. The role and the importance of the stone birch woods in the preservation of primary-natural structure of landscapes and ecosystems of the peninsula are underlined. Photos illustrate the distinctive nature of Kamchatka.