Corylus avellana L.

Spice

Family: BETULACEAE

Genus: Corylus

Catalan common name: Aurán. Avellaner.

Spanish common name: Ablano. Avellanero. Avellano. Nochizo.

Province distribution: Alacant. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona. València.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Eurosiberian

Uses and properties: Edible or foodstuffs. Furniture, construction and tools.

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Macrophanerophyte.

Habitats: Garden plants. Gardens.

Characteristics: A tree that can grow to 6 m. with alternate deciduous leaves with a serrate margin. The most characteristic feature of this plant is its brown round fruits that are commonly known as hazelnuts. The flowers are grouped in hanging spiciforme inflorescences (catkins). The hazelnuts are surrounded by two greenish bracts that make up the involucre.