Castanopsis inermis

Castanopsis inermis is an evergreen tree in the beech family, Fagaceae. Its common names include braided chestnut and berangan. Kew gives its native range as Myanmar to Sumatra and the Philippines. It grows in the wet tropics of Southeast Asia. Forests on hills form part of its habitat. It also grows in bamboo forests and beside rivers. Records place it at elevations up to 1,969 feet [600 metres].

The tree has a broad, spreading crown and keeps its leaves year-round. Plants For A Future lists a garden height of 66 feet [20 metres]. It gives the same figure for crown width. Useful Tropical Plants reports heights of 33–98 feet [10–30 metres]. Its trunk can measure 1–3 feet [0.3–0.9 metres] across. Plants For A Future describes its growth as fast. Insects pollinate the flowers, but the evidence gives no bloom season.

Plants For A Future lists both sun and light woodland shade as suitable. It says the tree prefers moist soil with good drainage. Sandy, loamy and clay soils all appear in its species profile. The listed pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It gives USDA hardiness zones 10–12. Its large crown needs space, even at the smaller listed garden size. The same source suggests that it may suit parks.

People gather the edible seeds from wild trees for local food. Growers also plant it for nuts in northern Malacca. Traders sell the seeds in local markets in Sumatra. Useful Tropical Plants reports that people eat them raw or cooked. Plants For A Future lists cooked uses. These include boiling, dry-heating and roasting the seeds. People also add them to chocolate and pastries. The reported seeds measure about 0.07–0.10 feet [0.02–0.03 metres] long.

The tree also supplies timber sold under the name berangan. Its bark provides tannins and dye, and helps weatherproof fibres. Caterpillars of the ciliate blue butterfly feed on the plant. The moth Calliteara angulata also uses it as food. Neither source reports a known medicinal use or known hazard. That does not establish safety for every person or pet. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.