Castanopsis orthacantha
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
Castanopsis orthacantha is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind, midges. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 20
Where it is found
Mixed and broad-leaved evergreen forests; 1500-3200 metres in W Guizhou, SW Sichuan, Yunnan.
E. Asia - S.W. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - raw or cooked. The seed, which is up to 15mm in diameter, takes about 18 months to ripen.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a good deep medium to stiff loam. Requires a sheltered position in semi-shade and a lime-free soil. Although cold hardy in much of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c, 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.
Propagating it: Seed - requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed has a short viability and should not be allowed to dry out. It can be stored for a few months if kept cool and moist (putting it in a plastic bag that is placed in the salad compartment of a fridge works well). Stored seed should be soaked in warm water for 24 - 48 hours prior to sowing. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 15°c. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in mid summer if possible, otherwise grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring. Give the young plants some protection from cold for their first few winters outdoors.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist