Common Name:

General Information

Lithocarpus amygdalifolius is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood.
The population of Lithocarpus amygdalifolius is assumed to be large due to its wide range. It is known that in some areas the species is threatened by deforestation and habitat conversion, in particular on Hainan and along coastal areas, but on a national scale the species is not considered to be threatened in China. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan, Taiwan), Vietnam.

Habitat

Broad-leaved evergreen forests; at elevations from 500 - 2,300 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Lithocarpus amygdalifolius is a plant of the moist tropics, where it is usually found at elevations up to 2,300 metres[]. The varous species in this genus usually grow in regions where there can be year-round rainfall, generally disliking dry seasons.
In the wild, Lithocarpus species are mainly found in well-drained soils, often growing on slopes. They tend to be tolerant of a range of soil textures and to prefer an acid to neutral pH. Young plants usually grow sucessfully in the shade of woodland, but older trees like a more sunny position.

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but the seed (or acorn) is a rich source of carbohydrates and would almost certainly have been eaten by traditional peoples, especially in times of shortage. The main disadvantage is that the seed is also likely to contain bitter-tasting, astringent tannins. Traditionally, these tannins would have been largely removed either by leaching the seeds in water or by baking them. The seeds can be cooked whole or be dried and ground into a powder that can be used to make a gruel or can be added to flour for making bread, cakes etc[].
The subglobose acorn is 18 - 20mm in diameter, with a shell around 2mm thick[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark of most species is rich in tannins and can be used as a dye and preservative for ropes etc[].

The wood is used[].

Propagation

Seed - it quickly loses viability if it is allowed to dry out. It can be stored moist and cool, but is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a nursery seed bed, though it must be protected from mice, squirrels etc. Small quantities of seed can be sown in deep pots in a cold frame. Plants produce a deep taproot and need to be planted out into their permanent positions as soon as possible, in fact seed sown in situ will produce the best trees[]. Trees should not be left in a nursery bed for more than 2 growing seasons without being moved or they will transplant very badly.

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