Lithocarpus philippinensis

Description

A tropical tree in the Fagaceae family native to the Philippines, belonging to a genus of approximately 300 species.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

Seeds - cooked. They can be roasted or boiled and are also used as an ingredient in candies. Sometimes the nut is extracted from the shell and cooked with brown sugar as candies and desserts. The ovoid, ripe fruit is 15 - 20mm in diameter and 17 - 21mm long, with a woody wall about 1mm thick. The seed (or acorn) is a rich source of carbohydrates and would almost certainly have been eaten by traditional peoples, especially in times of shortage. The main disadvantage is that the seed is also likely to contain bitter-tasting, astringent tannins. Traditionally, these tannins would have been largely removed either by leaching the seeds in water or by baking them. The seeds can be eaten raw but would usually be cooked whole or be dried and ground into a powder that can then be used to make a gruel, or as a thickener in soups and stews, or as an additive to flour for making bread, cakes etc.

Distribution

A tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Lithocarpus philippinensis is a plant of the moist tropics, where it is usually found at elevations up to 2,300 metres. The varous species in this genus usually grow in regions where there can be year-round rainfall, generally disliking dry seasons. In the wild, Lithocarpus species are mainly found in well-drained soils, often growing on slopes. In cultivation they tend to be tolerant of a range of soil textures and to prefer an acid to neutral pH. Young plants usually grow sucessfully in the shade of woodland, but older trees like a more sunny position.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Germination is usually good, grow the seedlings on in light shade until they are 20cm or more tall and then plant out into permanent positions.

Other Uses

The bark of most species is rich in tannins and can be used as a dye and preservative for ropes etc. The wood is probably used locally. The wood is used for furniture, axe and hammer handles, general house construction and interior work..

Notes

There are about 300 Lithocarpus species.

Synonyms

References (1)

• Wickens, G.E., 1995, Edible Nuts. FAO Non-wood forest products. FAO, Rome. p 127

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