Quercus lineata

Quercus lineata is an evergreen tree in the oak family, Fagaceae. Its native range runs from the eastern Himalayas to Indonesia. It also includes Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. This tree grows in mountain forests. Records place it at 3,280–10,990 feet [1,000–3,350 metres] above sea level. In Malaysia, it grows on yellow sandy soils and ultra-basic soils.

Trees usually reach 66–98 feet [20–30 metres] in height. The source also lists a height of 82 feet [25 metres]. The trunk grows straight and has a round cross-section. Its width ranges from 0.7–2.6 feet [0.2–0.8 metres]. Steep buttresses can reach 4 feet [1.2 metres] high. Trees often form stilt roots, and some send up suckers. They keep their leaves throughout the year. Wind carries their pollen. The seeds have a cone-like to cylindrical shape. They measure about 0.07–0.10 feet [0.02–0.03 metres] long.

This highland tropical tree can also grow in subtropical and warm temperate areas. It grows best where daytime temperatures fall between 15 and 25°C. The reported tolerance range is 4–32°C. Dormant trees may survive cold down to about −5°C. Yet temperatures near 1°C can badly harm new growth. The tree favours high rainfall, around 3,000–4,000 millimetres each year. It can tolerate a wider range of 2,500–4,500 millimetres. It grows in full sun or dappled shade. Young trees also tolerate some shade from the sides. Deep, fertile loam suits it, including somewhat heavy loam.

People harvest wild trees for timber. They also plant this species to help limit soil erosion. Plants For A Future lists it for woodland canopy planting. Fresh seed needs care because drying soon reduces its viability. The source advises sowing it soon after ripening. Stored seed needs cool, moist conditions. Protect sown seed from mice and squirrels. Young trees form deep taproots, so early planting in their final place matters. Trees left in nursery beds too long can transplant poorly.

All parts contain tannins, which can cause harm in excess. Reported effects include stomach pain, constipation and bloody diarrhoea. Excessive thirst and urination may also occur. Useful Tropical Plants gives this species an edibility score of two out of five. Yet its food account states that species-specific information is lacking. It instead draws on the wider use of oak seeds. That distinction limits what the evidence establishes about eating this species.