Castanopsis orthacantha

Castanopsis orthacantha
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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 in much of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c, 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.

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 - raw or cooked.

Habitat

Mixed and broad-leaved evergreen forests; 1500-3200 metres in W Guizhou, SW Sichuan, Yunnan.

Native range

E. Asia - S.W. China.

Same genus