Common Name:

General Information

Lithocarpus hystrix is an evergreen tree that can grow from 10 - 36 metres tall. The bole can be from 20 - 90cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southeast Asia Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatera, Kalimantan)

Habitat

Found on yellow, sandy-clay soils in lowland mixed dipterocarp forest to lower montane forest, at elevations from 300 - 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	26.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Lithocarpus hystrix is a plant of the moist tropics, where it is usually found at elevations up to 1,300 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. In cultivation most species are tolerant of a range of soil textures and prefer an acid to neutral pH. Young plants usually grow sucessfully in the shade of woodland, but older trees like a more sunny position. This species is often found in the wild in yellow, sandy-clay soils.

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 eaten raw but would usually be cooked whole or be dried and ground into a powder that can then be used to make a gruel, or as a thickener in soups and stews, or as an additive to flour for making bread, cakes etc[].
The ovoid to conical seed is 18 - 20mm long and 17 - 20mm wide with a thick, woody shell[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark contains tannins[]. 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 locally for purposes such as fence post, mining props, shingles, boat building, and for making tool handles, rice pounder, poles for carts etc[].
The wood makes a good fuel and can be used to make charcoal[]

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 an outdoor 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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