Corylus jacquemontii

Decne.

Indian tree hazel

Betulaceae Edible: Nuts, Seeds, Oil 6 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Corylus jacquemontii (Jacquemont's hazelnut or Indian tree hazel) is a species of hazel, found in Asia, within the Himalayas and from Afghanistan through to W. Nepal. It is a small tree or shrub, with grey bark, ovate or obovate (teardrop-shaped) leaves, small flowers and small edible nuts, grouped in small clusters. It has been used in many ways, not only as fuel source, fodder (for livestock) and timber but the trees also yield edible nuts for human consumption or for folk medicine uses.

Description

A medium sized deciduous tree. It grows 15 m tall. The bark is thin and dark grey. The leaves are broadly oval with a long point. They are 8-15 cm long. They often have small lobes. There are double teeth. The nuts are in clusters of 2-3. They are in a leathery covering 4 cm across. These have narrow lobes.

Edible Uses

The oil-rich seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They ripen in mid to late autumn and will likely need protection from squirrels. Stored unshelled in a cool place, seeds keep for at least 12 months. An edible oil can also be pressed from the seed.

Traditional Uses

The nuts are eaten roasted. An edible oil is extracted from the seeds.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In the Himalayas it grows between 1,800-4,200 m altitude. It grows in cold arid places.

Where It Grows

Afghanistan, Asia, Himalayas, India, Nepal,

Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils, but is in general more productive of seeds when grown on soils of moderate fertility. It does less well in rich heavy soils or poor ones. Does well in a loamy soil. Very suitable for an alkaline soil, but it dislikes very acid soils. Plants are fairly wind tolerant. This species is cultivated for its edible seed in Asia, it frequently sets fruit at Kew. Closely allied to C. colurna, and considered to be no more than a sub-species by some botanists, it is an upright growing tree that does not produce suckers. Members of this genus bear transplanting well and can be easily moved even when relatively large.

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as it is harvested in autumn in a cold frame; it germinates in late winter or spring. Stored seed should be pre-soaked in warm water for 48 hours, then given 2 weeks of warm stratification followed by 3–4 months of cold stratification. Germination takes 1–6 months at 20°C. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame or sheltered spot outdoors through their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Layering in autumn is easy and takes about 6 months.

Other Uses

An oil is obtained from the seed.

Other Information

It is an important food.

Notes

There are about 15 Corylus species.

Synonyms

C. colurna jacquemontii. C. lacera.

Also Known As

Bhotia badam, Ge bija, Kabasi, Jamun, Riunsh, Shraul, Thangi

References (11)

V. Jacquemont, Voy. Inde 4(Bot.):160, t. 160. 1835-1844
Kishor, A., et al, 2018, Wild Food Plants of Himachal Pradesh: A Review. Plant Archives Vol. 18 No.2 pp. 2737-2751
Mehta, P. S. et al, 2010, Native plant genetic resources and traditional foods of Uttarakhand Himalaya for sustainable food security and livelihood. Indian Journal or Natural products and Resources. Vol 1(1), March 2010 pp 89-96
Negi, P. S. & Subramani, S. P., 2015, Wild Edible Plant Genetic Resources for Sustainable Food Security and Livelihood of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India, International Journal of Conservation Science. 6 (4): 657-668
Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 11 references

Polunin, O., & Stainton, A., 2006, Flowers of the Himalaya, Oxford India Paperbacks. p 376
Rana, J.C. et al, 2011, Genetic resources of wild edible plants and their uses among tribal communities of cold arid regions of India. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 59:135-149
Rana, D., et al, 2019, Ethnobotanical knowledge among the semi-pastoral Gujjar tribe in the high altitude (Adhwari’s) of Churah subdivision, district Chamba, Western Himalaya. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2019) 15:10
Rana, D., et al, 2020, Use of medicinal plants for treating different ailments by the indigenous people of Churah subdivision of district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, India. Environment, Development and Sustainability. Springer.
Upreti, K., et al, 2010, Diversity and Distribution of Wild Edible Fruit Plants of Uttarakhand. Bioversity Potentials of the Himalaya. p 166
Wild edible plants of Himachal Pradesh