Spiny oak, Java chinkapin tree
Castanopsis javanica

Family: Fagaceae

What it is like

A widely spreading tree up to 23 m tall. The bark is quite rough and yellowish. The leaves are mainly horizontal with re-curved tips. They are rich green on the upper surface and copper brown underneath. The fruit are borne on spikes 15 to 25 cm long carried near the ends of twigs and covered with a prickly envelope.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Found in the forests up to 2000 m altitude throughout the Philippines. In Malaysia it grows up to 1,000 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The seed kernels are eaten cooked.

Edible parts

Nuts, kernel, fruit, seed

How it is grown

PLants can be grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Berangan duri, Berangan haji, Gasa, Jara anak, Kalimorot, Ki ruing, Kupat, Palele, Pohon kingkilaban, Tajam tumpul

Synonyms

Fagus javanica Blume; Castanea javanica (Blume) Blume; Castanea javanica Blume var. montana (Blume) Blume; Castanopsis javanica (Blume) A. DC. var. montana (Blume) A. DC.; Quercus discocarpa Hance; Quercus javanica (Blume) Drake; Castanopsis lentiginosa E. F. Warb.; Castanopsis penangensis A. Camus;