Populina (plant)

Populina is a taxonomic designation sometimes used within the genus Populus (poplars). The term, while not a formally recognized section or subgenus in all taxonomic classifications, generally refers to groups of poplar species characterized by specific morphological or genetic traits.

Specifically, "Populina" often implies members of Populus section Populus, which includes the white poplars, aspens, and related trees. Key characteristics often associated with this grouping include:

• Leaf Morphology: Typically displaying leaves with rounded or ovate shapes, often with toothed margins. The color may range from green to silvery-white, particularly on the undersides.
• Bark Characteristics: The bark can vary with age, ranging from smooth and light-colored in younger trees to rough and furrowed in older specimens.
• Growth Habit: Generally characterized by relatively fast growth rates and the potential to form extensive clonal colonies through root suckering.
• Geographic Distribution: Species within the Populina grouping are widely distributed across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

It is important to note that the precise circumscription of "Populina" can be subject to interpretation and may vary depending on the taxonomic authority consulted. Modern molecular phylogenetic studies have informed revisions to the classification of Populus, and the informal use of "Populina" should be understood within the context of these ongoing taxonomic investigations. Individual species classification is always preferred.