Castanea ozarkensis
Castanea ozarkensis, also known as the Ozark chinkapin, is a species of chestnut native to the United States. It is a member of the Fagaceae family and is endemic to the Ozark Mountains and Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Description[edit | edit source]
The Castanea ozarkensis is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong-lanceolate with sharply toothed margins. The bark is dark gray and deeply furrowed. The flowers are monoecious, with separate male and female flowers on the same tree. The fruit is a spiny burr, containing one to three shiny brown nuts.
Habitat and Distribution[edit | edit source]
The Castanea ozarkensis prefers well-drained, acidic soils and is often found on rocky slopes and ridges. It is adapted to a temperate climate with a moderate amount of rainfall. Its range is restricted to the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, where it is an important component of the local hardwood forest ecosystem.
Conservation Status[edit | edit source]
The Castanea ozarkensis is currently listed as a species of concern by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It has been severely affected by the chestnut blight, a fungal disease that has decimated chestnut populations across North America.
Uses[edit | edit source]
The wood of the Castanea ozarkensis is hard and durable, making it useful for furniture and construction. The nuts are edible and were a food source for Native Americans and early settlers.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD