Common Name:

General Information

Castanopsis sclerophylla is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine and probably also as a source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China.

Habitat

Woods; at elevations from 600 - 1,500 metres[]. Broad-leaved evergreen forests; at elevations from 200 - 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Wind, midges
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, 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 -12°c when dormant.
Prefers a good deep medium to stiff loam[]. Requires a sheltered position in semi-shade and a lime-free soil[].
Although cold hardy in Britain, this species really requires a warm continental climate if it is to prosper and it does not do well in the maritime climate of this country[].
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

Seed - raw or cooked[, , ]. Small but sweet, it tastes like the N. American chinquapin, Castanea pumila[]. The seed can be crushed and converted into a paste known as 'tou-fu', it resembles bean curd[]. (This probably means that the crushed seed is also fermented[]). Up to three subglobose seeds are produced per cupule, the seeds being 10 - 14mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The leaves are used to arrest puerperal haemorrhage and are also applied to chronic ulcers[].

The seed is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[].

Other Uses

We have no specific information on the properties 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.