Castanopsis hystrix
J.D. Hooker & Thompson ex A. DC.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCastanopsis hystrix or Patle katus is a species of evergreen broadleaf tree, which grows up to 30 meters in height. The tree is found in subtropical broadleaved evergreen forests, ranging from the eastern Himalayas of Nepal, Bhutan, and northeastern India, across Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam), southern China (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, southwestern Hunan, southeastern Tibet, and southern Yunnan), and Taiwan. It ranges up to 2400 meters elevation in the Himalayas, and up to 1600 meters elevation in southern China. It thrives in moist soils, and is often found in association with trees of family Lauraceae.
Description
A large evergreen tree. It grows 25-30 m tall. The trunk is 1 m across. The young leaves are purple-brown. They bare slender and hairy. The leaf stalk is 1 cm long. The leaves are 2.5-15 cm long by 1.5-5 cm wide. They are oval or sword shaped. They are papery to thinly leathery. The base is rounded and unequal. There are fine reddish hairs underneath. There are 9-15 sides veins on each side of the midrib. The flowers are yellow and in drooping spikes. They occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are 15 cm long. The fruit is a nut 0.8-1.5 cm across. It is in a cup 2.5-4 cm across. This splits into 4 segments.
Edible Uses
The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and have a good flavour despite their small size, reaching up to 14mm in diameter. The flowers are also edible, though they are very small and produced in catkins, and no further preparation details are recorded.
Traditional Uses
The seed or nut is eaten raw or roasted.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
A tropical plant. In Vietnam it grows between 300-1500 m altitude. In Nepal they grow between 1000-2500 m altitude. Seedlings require shade. It grows in subtropical broad-leaved evergreen forest.
Where It Grows
Asia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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 seed takes two growing seasons from fertilization to maturity. The catkins have an unpleasant hawthorn-like smell to attract midges for their pollination.
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 short viability and should not be allowed to dry out. It can be stored for a few months if kept cool and moist — a plastic bag in the salad compartment of a fridge works well. Stored seed should be soaked in warm water for 24–48 hours before sowing. Germination usually takes place within 1–3 months at 15°C. Prick out seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out in mid summer if possible, otherwise overwinter in a cold frame and plant out in late spring. Give young plants some protection from cold for their first few winters outdoors.
Other Uses
The wood is hard and used for construction, fencing, and fuel. The plant is also noted for its scented qualities.
Production
Trees grow quickly after 5 years of age. It starts flowering and fruiting after 15 years. There are about 1,200 nuts per kg.
Other Information
Nuts are sold in local markets and also exported.
Notes
There are about 120 Castanopsis species. Many have edible nuts.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Ca oi la do, Dalne katus, Dhalne katus, Hingori, Hong zhui, Katoos, Katuns, Katus, Ko deng, Kora, Mabashi, Mak ko, Patale katus, Patle katus, Patley katus, Sega, Thadziisii, Thyosolothi, Zhexie
References (30)
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