Chinese hickory, Cathay hickory
Carya cathayensis

Family: Juglandaceae

What it is like

A tree that loses its leaves. It grows 18 m high and spreads 4 m wide. The leaves are compound. They have 5-7 leaflets with one at the end. Leaves are 20-30 cm long. The leaf stalk has orange round scales. Leaflets can be 6-12 cm long by 3-5 cm wide with larger leaflets near the end. The husks of the nuts are covered with orange scales. The nut are oval and 2-3 cm long by about 2 cm wide.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It needs deep, well-composted soils and an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. In China it grows between 400-1,500 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Taiwan

How it is used for food

The nuts are eaten roasted and made into candies.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Nuts, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Trees are often grown at 225 trees/ha.

The kernel is about 45% of the weight of the nut. The kernel is about 70% oil.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Hicoria cathayensis (Sargent) Chun.; See Juglans cathayensis