Castanopsis diversifolia

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

A tree. It keeps most of its leaves throughout the year. The tree is 20 m tall. The bark is grey-brown and cracked. The leaves are oval and 8-24 cm long by 4-12 cm wide. The leaf stalk is softly hairy. The nuts are red-brown. They are 20-25 mm across. They are in a capsule that is spiny.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is best with fertile and well drained soil. In Laos it grows between 1,000-1,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

Nuts are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Nuts

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds are slow to germinate and seedlings grow slowly.

There are about 200 nuts per kg. In Laos nuts ripen in October.

Its other names

Local names

Ko tab, Kyanza, Zi-za

Synonyms

Castanea diversifolia Kurz;