Dian zhen
Corylus yunnanensis

Family: Betulaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 7 m high. The trunk is 10 cm across. The bark is dark grey and cracked. The young branches are a purplish brown. The leaves are broadly oval and 4-12 cm long by 3-9 cm wide. They are papery. The male and female flowers are in separate clusters of 2-3. The nut can be 2 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in China on mountain slopes between 1,600-3,700 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Tibet

How it is used for food

The nuts are eaten.

Edible parts

Nuts

How it is grown

In Yunnan fruit are used for making pastries.

Its other names

Local names

Shanbaiguo

Synonyms

Corylus heterophylla Fischer var. yunnanensis Franchet;