Lithocarpus lauterbachii

(Seemen) Markgr.

Fagaceae Edible: Nuts, Seeds

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

Description

A large tropical tree of the oak family (Fagaceae) that can reach 12-36 m in height with a trunk 35-80 cm across, found at 300-2,400 m elevation.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but the seed (or acorn) is a rich source of carbohydrates and would almost certainly have been eaten by traditional peoples, especially in times of shortage. The main disadvantage is that the seed is also likely to contain bitter-tasting, astringent tannins. Traditionally, these tannins would have been largely removed either by leaching the seeds in water or by baking them. The seeds can be eaten raw but would usually be cooked whole or be dried and ground into a powder that can then be used to make a gruel, or as a thickener in soups and stews, or as an additive to flour for making bread, cakes etc. The depressed subglobose seed is 25 - 28mm long and 30 - 35mm wide with a thick, woody shell.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 300-2,400 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Lithocarpus lauterbachii is a plant of the moist tropics, where it is usually found at elevations up to 2,400 metres. The varous species in this genus usually grow in regions where there can be year-round rainfall, generally disliking dry seasons. In the wild, Lithocarpus species are mainly found in well-drained soils, often growing on slopes. In cultivation they tend to be tolerant of a range of soil textures and to prefer an acid to neutral pH. Young plants usually grow sucessfully in the shade of woodland, but older trees like a more sunny position.

Propagation

Seed - it quickly loses viability if it is allowed to dry out. It can be stored moist and cool, but is best sown as soon as it is ripe in an outdoor seed bed, though it must be protected from mice, squirrels etc. Small quantities of seed can be sown in deep pots in a cold frame. Plants produce a deep taproot and need to be planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible, in fact seed sown in situ will produce the best trees. Trees should not be left in a nursery bed for more than 2 growing seasons without being moved or they will transplant very badly.

Other Uses

The bark of most species is rich in tannins and can be used as a dye and preservative for ropes etc. Wood locally used for building construction and fencing. The wood makes a good fuel and can be used to make charcoal.