| MadSci Network: Botany |
Hazelnut and filbert are common names for the genus Corylus, especially the species Corylus avellana, which is valued for its edible nuts and coppiced in much of Europe. A plant species or genus often has several common names. Corylus avellana 'Contorta', known as Henry Lauder's walking stick, has twisted branches and is a popular ornamental shrub. It is not uncommon for plant taxonomists to disagree about the family for a particular genus. Some taxonomists are "lumpers" who see fewer, larger families. Others are "splitters" who see many, smaller families. Some taxonomists include Corylus in the Betulaceae. Others place Corylus and some other genera in Corylaceae. Plant taxonomy is based partly on human opinions so it is hard to say that one approach is better than the other. The "About the Fagales" website by Kew Gardens mentions that Corylaceae was first proposed as a separate family in 1815 but "there is apparently not now a sufficient case for separation of Corylaceae." The fifth website cited says "the differences between Betulaceae and Corylaceae is more tenuous." The main differences are that Betulaceae have winged fruit, male flowers with sepals and female flowers lacking petals while Corylaceae have unwinged fruit, male flowers without sepals and female flowers that may have numerous petals. The USDA Plants Database places Corylus in Betulaceae. References Corylus avellana common names Hazel - Corylus avellana Corylaceae About the Fagales Selected Families of Angiosperms: Hamamelididae Betulaceae Corylus avellana 'Contorta' USDA Plants Database
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