Castanopsis hystrix aka Patle Katus
Taxonomy ID: 21781
Castanopsis hystrix is an evergreen tree in the beech family, Fagaceae. It grows across parts of southern and eastern Asia. Its range includes southern China, Taiwan, and the eastern Himalayas. It also reaches Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The tree keeps its leaves throughout the year. Plants For A Future lists Castanopsis frutescens as a synonym.
This species can reach about 98 feet [30 metres] tall. The source gives no separate size range for garden trees. It grows in forests in the eastern Himalayas. There, it reaches elevations of about 7,874 feet [2,400 metres]. In China, it inhabits broad-leaved evergreen forests. These extend from near sea level to 5,249 feet [1,600 metres]. Its tall, evergreen form suits the canopy of a woodland garden. The source gives no details about crown width or bark.
The tree flowers from May to June, with small flowers in catkins. Each tree bears both male and female flowers. Wind and midges carry pollen between the flowers. The seeds ripen from October to November. They measure up to about half an inch across. Plants For A Future lists the seeds as edible raw or cooked. It describes them as small, with a good flavour. It also lists the flowers as edible, but gives no preparation details.
For cultivation, the species account lists moist loam or clay. It gives mildly acid to neutral soil as suitable. The tree can grow in partial shade. Its tolerance of British winters remains unclear in this account. The cultivation notes offer conflicting claims about cold hardiness. They also draw on the needs of the genus. These notes do not establish a firm hardiness rating for this species. Gardeners should not read them as proof of reliable outdoor performance.
The hard wood has uses in building, fencing, and fuel. Plants For A Future records no known medicinal use. It also reports no known hazards for this species. That statement does not confirm safety for people or pets. The supplied evidence gives no specific pest or disease problems. Its documented garden role is as a woodland canopy tree. Edible seeds add a further use where the tree grows well.
Common names
Patle KatusMore information about Patle Katus
How difficult is Castanopsis hystrix to grow?
Castanopsis hystrix is challenging to grow outside its native subtropical range. It demands a warm continental climate, lime-free soil, and a sheltered semi-shaded position. Maritime or cool-temperate climates are unsuitable. Seeds require cold stratification and seedlings need frost protection in their early years.
How big does Castanopsis hystrix grow?
A large evergreen tree reaching up to 30 meters in height, with a moderate growth rate. Seeds mature in October to November, approximately five months after flowering.
How much water does Castanopsis hystrix need?
Prefers consistently moist soil. It naturally grows in moist subtropical forests and benefits from regular water availability, particularly during establishment.
What soil does Castanopsis hystrix need?
Requires a good deep medium to heavy (clay-loam) soil that is lime-free, with a mildly acidic to neutral pH. A sheltered position in semi-shade is recommended. Does not tolerate alkaline or chalky soils.
What temperature does Castanopsis hystrix prefer?
Performs best in a warm continental climate. While it can tolerate cold, it does not thrive in cool maritime climates. Seedlings are particularly frost-sensitive and need protection during their first winters.
Does Castanopsis hystrix have a scent?
The catkins produce an unpleasant hawthorn-like scent during the flowering period (May to June), evolved specifically to attract midges as pollinators. The scent is not pleasant but is functionally important for pollination.
When and how does Castanopsis hystrix flower?
Flowers appear from May to June. The tree is monoecious, producing both male and female flowers on the same plant in very small catkins. The catkins emit an unpleasant hawthorn-like odour to attract midges. Seeds mature October to November; they are small (up to 14mm diameter) nut-like seeds with a good flavour.
Can Castanopsis hystrix be grown outdoors?
Best suited to warm subtropical or warm-temperate continental climates. Native from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia and southern China. Needs a sheltered semi-shaded position and lime-free, moist, deep loamy soil. Not well suited to maritime or cool-temperate regions.
How is Castanopsis hystrix propagated?
Propagate from seed. Seeds have short viability and must be kept moist; sow fresh in cold frames with cold stratification. If storing seeds, soak in warm water for 24–48 hours before sowing. Germination typically occurs within 1–3 months at 15°C. Protect seedlings from frost during their first winters.
How is Castanopsis hystrix pollinated?
Castanopsis hystrix is pollinated by wind and midges. The catkins emit an unpleasant hawthorn-like scent specifically to attract midges as pollinators. The tree is monoecious, bearing both sexes on the same individual.
Is Castanopsis hystrix edible?
The seeds are edible raw or cooked, small (up to 14mm in diameter) but described as having a good flavour. Flowers are also technically edible. The species receives an edibility rating of 2 out of 5.
Does Castanopsis hystrix have medicinal uses?
No medicinal uses are documented for this species in the consulted references.
What other uses does Castanopsis hystrix have?
The wood is hard and has been used for construction, fencing, and fuel.
Sources
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