Indonesian chestnut tree
Castanopsis argentea

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows up to 15-30 m high. The bark is dark grey and cracked. The trunk can be 1 m across. The trunk can be without branches for 25 m. The leaves are thin and leathery. They are 13-16 cm long by 5-7 cm wide. They are silvery grey underneath. The flowers are bell shaped with 6 lobes. The fruit is in a cup 3-4 cm across with 3 fruit.

There are about 120 Castanopsis species. Many have edible nuts.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in forests between 150-1,400 m altitude. It grows in dry fertile soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indonesia, Malesia, Myanmar, New Guinea, SE Asia, Thailand

How it is used for food

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Seeds, nuts

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Chyaran, Matauk-takauk, Pohon berangan saninten, Thit-e

Synonyms

Castanea argentea (Blume) Blume; Fagus argentea Bl.;