Common Name:

General Information

Lithocarpus luzoniensis is an evergreen tree ranging in height from 5 - 25 metres with a bole 20 - 30cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.
The population of Lithocarpus luzoniensis is currently not known due to a lack of documentations, but a continuous decline is expected due to unabated threats imposed by logging activities; land expansions for agriculture and urban settlements; and unsustainable farming practices. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Philippines (Luzon)

Habitat

Lowland to high-elevation primary, mossy forests; at elevations from 600 - 2,500 metres, sometimes a bit higher[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Lithocarpus luzoniensis is a plant of the moist tropics, where it is usually found at elevations up to 2,500 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 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 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 acorn is around 15mm long and 10mm wide with a thin woody shell[].

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is used as a cure for dysentery and other types of intestinal inflammation[].

Other Uses

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

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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