Castanopsis inermis

(Lindley ex Wallich) Benth. & Hook. f.

Fagaceae Edible: Nuts 26 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Fast-growing evergreen tree reaching 20 m tall and 20 m wide. Insect-pollinated flowers appear throughout the growing season. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with preference for well-drained conditions and mildly acid to basic pH. Tolerates semi-shade to full sun and prefers moist soil. Hardy to UK zone 10.

Description

A tall evergreen tree. It grows 30 m tall. The leaves are narrowly oval and 7-23 cm long by 3-9 cm wide. The base is rounded and they taper to the tip. The leaf stalks are softly hairy. The seeds or nuts are triangle shaped. The nuts are in a case which does not have spines. It is 25 mm across.

Edible Uses

The seeds are cooked — they can be boiled, parched, or roasted. Seeds range from 20–30mm in size.

Traditional Uses

The nuts are roasted or boiled.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in secondary forests at about 800 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, East Africa, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Uganda,

Cultivation

Castanopsis species are generally tolerant of a range of soils, preferably well-drained. They succeed in full sun, though young plants generally grow best in dappled woodland shade.

Propagation

Seed.

Other Uses

The plant may be able to tolerate park conditions. It is the preferred local food plant for caterpillars of the ciliate blue butterfly (Anthene emolus) and the moth Calliteara angulata.