Castanopsis tibetana
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Partial shade
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a good deep medium to stiff loam. Although cold hardy in 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.
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 the seed is likely to be eaten cooked.
Habitat
Broad-leaved evergreen forests; below 1500 metres in S Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, SW Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, SE Yunnan, S Zhejiang.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Tibet.