Betula ashburneri

From high altitude in N Burma, this Eastern Himalayan species is also found to just to the West in Bhutan and East into SW China; it was only described as new to science in 2011. Growing above Abies delavayi forest on steep exposed mountain slopes, this is a naturally dwarf birch, usually multi-stemmed, but with a strong leader, and with silvery-brown bark. Expect a height of perhaps 5m in cultivation, where you'll find it hardy and of easy growth.