Common Name:

General Information

Castanopsis fabri is an evergreen tree that can grow from 8 - 20 metres tall[].
The plant is probably harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southeastern China, Vietnam, Laos

Habitat

Broadleaved evergreen forest; at elevations from 100 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Castanopsis species are generally found in subtropical and tropical climates, those species that can tolerate colder winters generally also require hot summers. Thus hardy members of this genus tend to grow well in Mediterranean climates and in warm continental climates with mild winters - although frost tolerant, they often do not thrive in more maritime climates with their cooler summers, even if the winters are mild. This species can tolerate occasional temperatures falling to around -5°c when dormant.
Prefers a good deep medium to stiff loam[]. Requires a sheltered position in semi-shade and a lime-free soil[].
The catkins have an unpleasant hawthorn-like smell to attract midges for their pollination[].
The seeds take two growing seasons to reach maturity[].

Edible Uses

There are usually one or two (occasionally three) conical seeds 10 - 14mm long and 10 - 12mm wide per cupule[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is of a light nut-brown colour, marked with a pretty pattern caused by the pores. It takes a very smooth surface, showing the clash of the medullary ray when cut on the quarter. With a very nice texture, it has every quality for standing well without shrinking or warping[].

We have no more specific information on the properties or uses of this wood, but the following is a general description of the wood of Castanopsis species:-
The heartwood is a light yellowish brown, grayish brown, or dark brown, varying with species; it is sometimes sharply demarcated from the yellowish, light brown sapwood. The texture is mostly rather coarse; the grain is fairly straight to interlocked; may be lustrous when first cut; there is no distinctive odour or taste when dry. It is generally reported to season well, timbers tend to end split if the pith is boxed. It is mostly reported as being easy to work and saw; takes a good finish; easy to split. It is not very durable, being susceptible to attack by decay fungi and termites. It is used for general construction work under cover, furniture components; some species that are easy to split are used for shingles[]

Propagation

Seed - requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. The seed has a short viability and should not be allowed to dry out. It can be stored for a few months if kept cool and moist (putting it in a plastic bag that is placed in the salad compartment of a fridge works well). Stored seed should be soaked in warm water for 24 - 48 hours prior to sowing[]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 15°c[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in mid summer if possible, otherwise grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring. Give the young plants some protection from cold for their first few winters outdoors.