Black alder, a species of tree, is spelled with two distinct phonetic sounds. "Black" is pronounced as /blæk/ with the 'a' in the first syllable being pronounced as a short vowel. Whereas, "alder" is pronounced as /ˈɔːldər/, where the first syllable is stressed, and the 'a' sound is pronounced as an open-mid back unrounded vowel, also known as 'o' in many English varieties. The correct spelling of this word is essential to effectively communicate with others about this tree species.
Black alder, scientifically known as Alnus glutinosa, is a deciduous tree species belonging to the family Betulaceae. It is native to Europe and parts of western Asia and North Africa. The tree typically grows up to 30 meters in height, with a slender trunk and irregular crown. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown when young, growing rough and blackish-gray as the tree ages.
The leaves of the black alder are oval-shaped, serrated on the edges, and have a dark green color. In spring, the tree produces clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated. The seeds are contained within woody cones, which gradually disintegrate to release the small, delicate seeds.
Black alder is commonly found in wetland areas, such as riverbanks, lakeshores, and swamps, due to its preference for moist soil conditions. It is known to have a high tolerance for waterlogging, making it an important tree species for streamside stabilization and erosion control.
Besides its ecological significance, black alder also has various uses. The timber is moderately hard and durable, making it suitable for construction purposes such as interior fittings, joinery, and furniture. Furthermore, its bark can be used to produce dyes and tannins, while the leaves and bark have historical and medicinal uses.
Overall, black alder is an adaptable and versatile tree species, valued for its ecological contributions and economic potential.
Rhamnus frangula.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "black alder" is a compound noun composed of two separate words: "black" and "alder". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. "Black": The word "black" originated from the Old English word "blæc", which can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "blakaz". "Blakaz" also had cognates in other Germanic languages such as Old Saxon "blak", Old Norse "blakkr", and Old High German "blah". The Proto-Germanic word "blakaz" is believed to have an Indo-European origin, possibly from the Proto-Indo-European root word *bhleg- meaning "to burn" or "to shine".
2. "Alder": The word "alder" comes from the Old English word "alr", which was derived from Proto-Germanic "aliz".