Common Name: Palayon

General Information

Lithocarpus philippinensis is an evergreen shrub or a tree, usually growing from 4 - 30 metres tall with a bole that can be 18 - 30cm in diameter[, ].
The plant can be a good source of edible nuts which are essential for subsistence in some Philippine communities. The wood is used locally and is a good source of lumber for domestic construction purposes in some local communities[].
Although the population size of Lithocarpus philippinensis is currently not known, a continuous decline is expected due to threats of shifting agriculture, urbanization, commodity-driven deforestation, large-scale forestry operations, and climatic adversities within its range. However, despite these threats affecting the species' population and the quality and extent of its natural habitat, the plant is currently classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Philippines

Habitat

Submontane to upper montane tropical forests, sometimes on very steep slpes; at elevations from 500 - 2,300 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Insects, Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Lithocarpus philippinensis 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. 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

Seeds - cooked. They can be roasted or boiled and are also used as an ingredient in candies[, , ]. Sometimes the nut is extracted from the shell and cooked with brown sugar as candies and desserts[]. The ovoid, ripe fruit is 15 - 20mm in diameter and 17 - 21mm long, with a woody wall about 1mm thick[].
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[].

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 probably used locally[].
The wood is used for furniture, axe and hammer handles, general house construction and interior work[]..

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe. Germination is usually good, grow the seedlings on in light shade until they are 20cm or more tall and then plant out into permanent positions.

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