Fagales

This order has three families and about 1,200 species.
All the species in this order are trees and shrubs and many of them are common in alpine regions.  
   Betulaceae - Birch Family
Paper BirchThere are about 150 species in this family. The leaves of these plants alternate and have jagged edges. Male and female flowers are on the same plant in catkins.

Catkins are long dangling flowers. The male catkin is larger than the female. The fruit of these plants are nuts. Plants in this family are found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Plants in this order include alder, birch, hazelnut, and filbert trees.

   Fagaceae - Beech Family
White OakThere are about 1,000 species in this family. The leaves of these plants alternate and the fruit is nuts. Male and female flowers are on the same plant in catkins. Plants include beech, chestnut, oak, and chinquapin trees.
   Balanopaceae
This family has nine species that are found in the southwestern Pacific region.


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