Castanopsis orthacantha

Castanopsis orthacantha is an evergreen tree in the beech family, Fagaceae. Kew gives its native range as Yunnan, China, to northern Myanmar. Plants For A Future also lists western Guizhou and southwestern Sichuan. It grows in mixed forests and broad-leaved evergreen forests. These sites lie at 4,920–10,500 feet [1,500–3,200 metres]. Kew places the species in the subtropical climate zone.

The tree can reach about 66 feet [20 metres] tall. It keeps its leaves through the year. Its height makes it a canopy tree for woodland gardens. The supplied accounts give no detail on crown width or shape. They also provide no descriptions of its bark or leaves. Its evergreen habit and forest setting support its use in woodland planting.

Flowers appear in May and June, in clusters called catkins. Each tree bears both male and female flowers. Wind and midges carry the pollen. The catkins give off a scent that draws midges. Plants For A Future describes this scent as unpleasant. Seeds ripen in October and November, after about 18 months. This means they need two growing seasons to reach maturity. Each seed can measure about 0.6 inches [15 millimetres] across. People can eat the seeds raw or cooked.

In cultivation, this tree needs shelter and partial shade. It prefers deep loam and can grow in heavy clay. The soil should stay moist and contain no lime. Plants For A Future lists mildly acid to neutral soil as suitable. It reports cold tolerance near 14°F [-10°C] and USDA zones 7–10. Yet surviving cold does not mean the tree will thrive. The same source says it needs a warm continental climate. It performs poorly in Britain's maritime climate, despite tolerating much of its winter cold.

Seed propagation needs care because seeds lose viability soon. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame and keep it from drying. A cold period helps prepare the seed for germination. Cool, moist storage can keep it viable for a few months. Soak stored seed for 24–48 hours before sowing. Germination takes one to three months at 59°F [15°C]. Plants For A Future records no known hazards or medicinal uses. That lack of reported hazards does not establish safety for pets. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases.