Betula utilis (Himalayan birch, bhojpatra, Sanskrit: भूर्ज bhūrja) is a birch tree native to the Himalayas, growing at elevations up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft). The specific epithet, utilis, refers to the many uses of the different parts of the tree.[1] The white, paper-like bark of the tree was used in ancient times for writing Sanskrit scriptures and texts.[2] It is still used as paper for the writing of sacred mantras, with the bark placed in an amulet and worn for protection