Castanopsis echinocarpa

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

A tree. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. It grows 7-15 m tall. The leaves are narrowly oval or sword shaped. They are shiny green underneath. They are 7-13 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. It tapers towards the tip. There are teeth along the edge. The seeds are a flattened round shape and 10-13 mm across. They are in a capsule that is smooth. It is 15-20 mm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in forests between 500-2,300 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Nuts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ko nam, Ko dtorng

Synonyms

Castanea echidnocarpa Hook.f. & Thomson ex A. DC.; Castanopsis echinocarpa var. seminuda W. C. Cheng & C. S. Chao; Castanopsis longispicata Hu; Castanopsis tribuloides var. echidnocarpa (A. DC.) King ex Hook.f.;