Lithocarpus xylocarpus

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 30 m tall. Young branches are grooved and with a coating. The leaves are narrowly oblong and 9-15 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. They are leathery. They are hairy underneath when young. They are shiny above and wedge shaped at the base. Male and female flowers are separate. Male flowers occur singly and are 5-10 cm long. The female flowers are in clusters. The fruiting structure is cup shaped and 3-5 cm across. It encloses the nut. The nut is broadly oval and 2-3 cm across.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry forests between 1,800-2,300 m above sea level in Tibet and southern China. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The kernel of the nuts is eaten raw or roasted.

Edible parts

Nuts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Then-hang, Thit-e-gon

Synonyms

Pasania capusii Hickel & A. Camus; Pasania xylocarpa (Kurz) Schottky; Pasania xylocarpa (Kurz) Hickel & A. Camus; Quercus xylocarpa Kurz; Synaedrys xylocarpa (Kurz) Koidz.;