Shira kashi, Japanese white oak
Quercus myrsinifolia
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
An evergreen tree. It grows 20 m high. It is a broadly spreading oak tree. The bark is dark grey and smooth. The leaves are sword shaped and 10 cm long by 3 cm wide. They are leathery and taper to a point. They have a few small teeth. They are deep bronze red when young and become dark green above and blue-green underneath. They are smooth on both sides. The male and female flowers are borne separately on the same plant. The male flowers are easier to see and are in yellow-green drooping catkins. The fruit is an acorn about 2 cm long. One third is enclosed in a cup. The cup has distinct rings around it.
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to China and Japan. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Canada, China, Indochina, Japan, Korea, Laos, North America, SE Asia, Tasmania
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds, nut
How it is grown
Plants are grown by seed. Stem cuttings are possible.