The beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a tall, typically
European, tree. It flourishes in mild to cold temperatures and fair humidity.
These climate conditions are met in Italy between 900 and 1500 m above
the sea level, where beeches form magnificent forests (see below). So,
when beeches are in sight, the air gets thinner and fresher and I feel
that I have finally reached my beloved mountains. Young leaves are tender
green, turning darker as they grow older. The trunk is smooth, gray with
white patches and, frequently, pretty straight. The timber is an excellent
fuel, also used to make charcoal. The beech fruit is a small, triangular
nut, shut in a tiny husk, which, although not prickly, resembles that
of chestnut. In fact, the chestnut and the beech belong to the same family
(Fagacaee).
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