Spiny oak, Java chinkapin tree
Castanopsis javanica

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

Castanopsis javanica is an evergreen Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 25

Where it is found

Primary, sometimes secondary forests, at elevations up to 1,650 metres, occasionally to 2,000 metres.

Southeast Asia - Malaysia, Indonesia.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Seed. The seeds are 10 - 15mm long and 20 - 25mm wide, contained in a spiny seedcase.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

The bark is used for making kegs for storing rice. The wood is fairly heavy. It is used as a construction material. The wood is used for house building, furniture, poles, door and window frames. Although the tree is of poor shape, it produces one of the most durable timbers in its native range, where it is widely used for house posts.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Staple Crop: Balanced carb: (0-15 percent protein, 0-15 percent oil, with at least one over 5 percent). The carbohydrates are from either starch or sugar. Annuals include maize, wheat, rice, and potato. Perennials include chestnuts, carob, perennial fruits, nuts, cereals, pseudocereals, woody pods, and acorns.

Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.

Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.

Staple Crop: Balanced carb: (0-15 percent protein, 0-15 percent oil, with at least one over 5 percent). The carbohydrates are from either starch or sugar. Annuals include maize, wheat, rice, and potato. Perennials include chestnuts, carob, perennial fruits, nuts, cereals, pseudocereals, woody pods, and acorns.

Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.

How it is grown

Not known. Its habitat is hill dipterocarp forests up to 1,000 m (3,300 ft) altitude. Castanopsis species are generally tolerant of a range of soils, preferably well-drained. They succeed in full sun, though young plants generally grow best in dappled woodland shade.

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Berangan duri, Berangan haji, Gasa, Jara anak, Kalimorot, Ki ruing, Kupat, Palele, Pohon kingkilaban

Synonyms

Castanea javanica (Blume) Blume Castanea montana Blume Fagus javanica Blume Pasania discocarpa (Hance) Gamble Quercus discocarpa Hance Quercus javanica (Blume) Drake Synaedrys discocarpa (Hance) Koidz.