Castanea mollissima

Castanea mollissima, also known as the Chinese chestnut, is a species of chestnut native to China, Taiwan, and Korea. It is a member of the family Fagaceae, which includes a wide range of trees and shrubs primarily distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Description

The Castanea mollissima is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, 10–22 cm long and 4.5–8 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are catkins, produced in mid summer. The fruit is a spiny cupule 5–11 cm diameter, containing one to three nuts.

Distribution and habitat

Castanea mollissima is native to China, Taiwan, and Korea. It is found in a variety of habitats, from mountainous regions to lowland forests. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of a range of pH levels.

Uses

The nuts of Castanea mollissima are edible and are a popular food in China. They are also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The wood is used for furniture and construction.

Cultivation

Castanea mollissima is cultivated for its nuts in China and other parts of the world. It is also used in forestry for reforestation and erosion control.

Conservation

While Castanea mollissima is not currently considered threatened, it is susceptible to chestnut blight, a fungal disease that has decimated populations of chestnut trees in North America.

See also

• Chestnut
• Chestnut blight
• Fagaceae