Dogwood is a tree comprised of about 30 to 50 species of predominantly deciduous woody plants which grow as shrubs or trees. However, some species grow as herbaceous perennial plants and a few evergreen woody species. It has been considered one of the most interesting type of trees. Dogwoods belong to the family of Cornaceae, which is divided into up to nine subgenera or genera.
Most of dogwood’s varieties are flowering trees. The Cornus or Cornels species is easily recognised by its yellow and white clustered flowers. The four main classifications of Cornus can be found in different countries, including the Blackfruit Cornel of California, the Chinese Cornel of China, the Japanese Cornel of Japan, and Cornelian-cherry of Mediterranean. Several varieties of Cornus bear fruits can be eaten.
Swida is the shrub species of dogwood and has a wide variety of classifications, including the Alternate-leaf Dogwood (Canada and Eastern North America), the Silky Dogwood (Eastern United States), the South China Dogwood (East Asia), Bretschneider’s Dogwood (Northern China), and the Smooth Dogwood (Western North America). Many of these varieties that grow near waterways are suitable for landscaping purposes. Compared to the fruits of Cornus, Swida’s berries are mildly toxic and inedible.
The Benthamidia genus of dogwood is characterised by its red fruits and greenish flowers. Since most of these types are small trees, these are perfect ornamental plants. Its flowers are astonishing and are compared with the Eastern Redbud and the Canadian serviceberry.
Despite the differences in the colour and formations of its flowers and leaves, dogwoods are still known for their opposite or alternate leaf formation, drupe fruits, and is a favourite food of different insects. |
