The birch (lat. Betula pendula) is a deciduous middle-sized tree,  often 20-25 meters tall. It is closely related to the oak tree. In Greece, birches grow only in East Macedonia and Thrace, and more precisely, in the Rhodope mountains and Paggaio.

The leaves, bark, buds, and flowers of the birch have healing properties and are known to have a diuretic effect; ultimately, they are considered to dissolve fat and fluid reserves in the body. The seeds and roots of the tree have invigorating and anti-aging properties.

FILOTIS - Database for the Greek nature