Common Name:

General Information

Lithocarpus ovalis is an evergreen tree that can grow from 9 - 25 metres tall with a bole that can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[, ]..
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood.
Lithocarpus ovalis is experiencing a continuing decline in its population and habitat due to the threatening effects of shifting agriculture, urbanization, commodity-driven deforestation, and large-scale forestry operations. 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

Primary and secondary forest; at elevations around 350 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Lithocarpus ovalis is a plant of the moist tropics, where it is usually found at elevations up to 350 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-conical acorn is 20 - 24mm long and 19 - 21mm in diameter, with a thin, hard, woody shell[].

Medicinal

The species (part not specified) is said to have medicinal and socio-cultural purposes in some local communities[].

Other Uses

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

The plant is an important source of lumber for domestic construction purposes and as source of fuelwood[].

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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