Castanopsis sclerophylla

Physical Characteristics

Castanopsis sclerophylla is an evergreen Tree. It is in leaf all year. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind, midges. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - E. and C. China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw[61, 171]. Small but sweet, it tastes like the N. American chinquapin, Castanea pumila[109]. The seed can be crushed and converted into a paste known as 'tou-fu', it resembles bean curd[109]. (This probably means that the crushed seed is also fermented[K]).

Medicinal Uses

Astringent The leaves are used to arrest puerperal haemorrhage and are also applied to chronic ulcers[218]. The seed is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[218].

Known Hazards

None known