Corylus tibetica
Batalin
Tibetan Hazelnut
gbif· cc0
Conveyor Belt
gbif· cc0
Conveyor Belt
gbif· cc0
Conveyor Belt
Summary
A deciduous tree reaching 15 m tall, hardy to UK zone 7. Flowers bloom April to May with seeds ripening September to October. Bears both male and female flowers on the same plant, wind-pollinated and self-fertile. Adapts to light, medium, or heavy soils with mildly acid to basic pH, including very alkaline conditions. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil. Tolerates strong winds but not coastal exposure.
Description
A deciduous shrub or small tree. It grows to 15 m tall. The male flower spikes are 7.5 cm long. The fruit occur in clusters of 3-6 husks which have fine prickles on the outer surface.
Edible Uses
The oil-rich seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. Each seed measures roughly 10–15mm in diameter within its shell. Seeds ripen in mid to late autumn and will likely need protection from squirrels. Stored unshelled in a cool place, they keep for at least 12 months. An edible oil can also be pressed from the seed.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Known Hazards
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. In China it grows in secondary forests between 1,500-2,300 m altitude. Hobart Botanical Gardens.
Where It Grows
Asia, Australia, China*, Himalayas, Tasmania, Tibet*,
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. An upright growing tree that does not produce suckers. This species is closely related to C. ferox. 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 into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame or sheltered spot 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.
Notes
There are about 15 Corylus species.
Synonyms
References (6)
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 83
- FAO, 1995, Edible Nuts. Non Wood Forest Products 5.
- Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 340
- Plants for a Future, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Trudy Imp. S.-Peterburgsk. Bot. Sada 13:102. 1893
Show all 6 references Hide references
- Wickens, G.E., 1995, Edible Nuts. FAO Non-wood forest products. FAO, Rome. p 119
