Talk:Dwarf Arctic Birch

Apparently also exists as Dwarf Birch; will need to merge these or determine if these are two separate species of birch. Deirdre 03:50, 5 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

There is conflicting information/opinion as to whether Betula nana is native in North America, i.e. as to whether the North American dwarf birches are a subspecies B. nana subsp. glandulosa, or are distinct species in their own right B. glandulosa. For convenience, there's a lot to be said for taking the latter view (i.e. keep this page separate, but just change the scientific name to B. glandulosa), but this might be viewed by some as scientifically unjustifiable. There's also a bit of a problem with the common name, as 'Arctic Dwarf Birch' is listed for the related Eurasian Betula humilis; this page might be better moved to 'American Dwarf Birch'. See also Betula classification for other dwarf birches. - MPF 00:11, 6 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My information is coming mostly from University of Alaska Fairbanks professors, who acknowledge the taxonomic brouhaha over various birch names/species/hybridizations. B. nana and glandulosa are defined as separate species with distinct morphological differences; both are present in North America. As you say, what with the hybridization issue, native species issue, and plain old naming battles, a good case either way could be made for this page. How about indicating that this is a species with which classification is uncertain, referring to the other nana/glandulosa species pages and vice versa, and delineating the problem? Since it is an issue in scientific circles, it might be worth mentioning. Deirdre 22:17, 6 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Looks to me like they should be merged. ping 06:57, 7 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I checked up in the Flora of North America which clearly gives Betula nana sensu stricto as native in North America as well as Europe and Asia, so the two should be merged. I'll add more details on the Dwarf Birch page to reflect this. - MPF 14:05, 7 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Cool. Thanks! Deirdre 09:58, 8 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]