Quercus lineata
Blume
Siri, Phalat
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Summary
Source: WikipediaQuercus lineata is a species of Quercus (oak) in the beech family Fagaceae, belonging to subgenus Cerris, section Cyclobalanopsis. It was first described by Carl Ludwig von Blume.
Description
An evergreen tree. It grows 30 m tall. The trunk can be 60 cm across. It can have prop roots and buttresses. The leaves are 5-16 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. There are some wavy teeth near the tip. They are hairy underneath. The acorns are small and cone shaped. They are 17-25 mm long by 15-23 mm wide. They are 2/3 enclosed by the cup.
Edible Uses
The seed must be cooked before eating. Once dried and ground into a powder, it works well as a thickening agent in stews or can be blended with cereals to make bread. The seed contains bitter tannins that need to be removed by thoroughly washing in running water, though this also leaches out minerals. Both whole seeds and ground powder can be leached — whole seeds may take several days or weeks, and wrapping them in a cloth bag placed in a running stream was a traditional method. Leaching ground powder is faster. A simple taste test confirms when enough tannin has been removed. Another traditional preparation involved burying the seeds in boggy ground over winter; the germinating seeds dug up in spring would have lost most of their astringency. The roasted seed also serves as a coffee substitute.
Traditional Uses
The seeds or nuts are cooked and can be dried and ground into a powder and then used for thickening stews or mixed with cereals for bread. The bitter tannins are washed out in running water. The roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute.
Medicinal Uses
Any galls produced on the tree are strongly astringent and have been used medicinally to treat haemorrhages, chronic diarrhoea, and dysentery.
Known Hazards
All parts of the plant contain tannins. Whilst tannins are found in many foods, and have a range of medicinal uses. They are usually only present in low concentrations. In some foods made from oaks (particularly the seeds), the tannin content can be quite high unless the food is treated to reduce tannin content. Tannins are only of low toxicity and, because of their bitter taste and astringency, are unlikely to be eaten in large quantities. However, if they are taken in excess, they can cause stomach pains; constipation followed by bloody diarrhoea: excessive thirst; and excessive urination.
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant. It is damaged by frost. It grows between 1,800-2,700 m above sea level in the Himalayas.
Where It Grows
Asia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. This species is often confused with Q. glauca (syn Q. annulata). The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a good deep fertile loam which can be on the stiff side. Young plants tolerate reasonable levels of side shade. Tolerates moderate exposure, surviving well but being somewhat stunted. Prefers warmer summers than are usually experienced in Britain, trees often grow poorly in this country and fail to properly ripen their wood resulting in frost damage overwinter. Intolerant of root disturbance, trees should be planted in their permanent positions whilst young. Hybridizes freely with other members of the genus. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed loses viability quickly if allowed to dry out. It can be stored moist and cool over winter, but is best sown as soon as it is ripe in an outdoor seed bed with protection from mice and squirrels. Small quantities can be sown in deep pots in a cold frame. Because plants develop a deep taproot, they should be moved to their permanent positions as soon as possible — seeds sown in situ produce the best trees. Do not leave trees in a nursery bed for more than 2 growing seasons, as they will transplant very poorly.
Other Uses
A mulch of decayed leaves placed around plants repels slugs, grubs, and similar pests. Fresh leaves should not be used as they can inhibit plant growth. Oak galls, caused by the larvae of various insects living and feeding inside them, can be harvested after the insect pupates and leaves. They are a rich source of tannin and can also be used as a dyestuff. The wood is very hard and durable when kept dry, and is used for construction.
Notes
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Phalant, Phalanth, Phalat, Siri-kung, Thinya-gyi
References (5)
- Ambasta S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 510
- Bijdr. 523. 1826
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Savita, et al, 2006, Studies on wild edible plants of ethnic people in east Sikkim. Asian J. of Bio Sci. (2006) Vol. 1 No. 2 : 117-125
- Sharma, G., et al, 2016, Agrobiodiversity in the Sikkim Himalaya. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, ICIMOD Working Paper 2016/5 p 20
