Castanopsis tibetana
Hance
Monkey chestnut, Hook chestnut
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Summary
Castanopsis tibetana is an evergreen tree in leaf year-round, flowering May to June with seeds ripening October to November. It is monoecious with wind and midge pollination. The tree thrives in medium loamy and heavy clay soils with mildly acid to neutral pH, tolerating semi-shade in light woodland and preferring moist conditions.
Description
A tree. The young shoots are black to dark brown when dry. The leaf stalk is 1.5-3 cm long. The leaf blade is oval or oblong. It is 15-30 cm long by 5-10 cm wide. It can be wider. Leaves are leathery and dark purple-brown when young. Underneath they are covered with reddish-brown scale like structures. The base is round or heart shaped and can be equal or unequal. The leaf tapers to the tip. The mid vein is sunken on the upper surface. There are 15-18 side veins on each side of the midrib. The female flowering stalk is 5-25 cm long. The cup is round and 6-8 cm across. It splits into 4 or 5 regular segments. It is covered with spine like bracts. It is 1.5-2.5 cm across. There is 1 nut per cup. The nut is cone shaped and 1.5-1.8 cm long by 2-2.8 cm wide. It is hairy.
Edible Uses
The conical seed, which can reach up to 18mm long and 28mm wide, is edible and likely eaten cooked, though no further details are recorded.
Traditional Uses
The nuts are eaten raw.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in broad leafed evergreen forest below 1500 m altitude in China.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Tibet,
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 in many 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
None known. The plant is noted for its scented qualities.
Notes
There are about 120 Castanopsis species. Many have edible nuts.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Gou zhui
References (5)
- Huang Chengjiu, Zhang Yongtian, Bartholomew, B., Fagaceae, Flora of China.
- Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 346
- J. Bot. 13:367. 1875
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Wickens, G.E., 1995, Edible Nuts. FAO Non-wood forest products. FAO, Rome. p 125
