Castanopsis delavayi
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Partial shade
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a good deep medium to stiff loam. Although cold hardy at least in the milder areas of Britain, this species really requires a warm continental climate if it is to prosper and it does not do well in the maritime climate of this country. The seed takes two growing seasons from fertilization to maturity. The catkins have an unpleasant hawthorn-like smell to attract midges for their pollination.
Propagation
Seed - requires a period of cold stratification and is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in mid summer if possible, otherwise grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring. Give the young plants some protection from cold for their first few winters outdoors.
Edible uses
Seed. No more details are given, but it is probably cooked.
Habitat
Mixed and broad-leaved evergreen forests at elevations of 1500 - 2800 metres.
Native range
E. Asia - S.W. China.