Castanea mollissima
Chinese Chestnut
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Castanea genus in the family Fagaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - raw or cooked[13][14][15][2]. Eaten raw, there is a distinct astringency, especially if the fleshy inner skin beneath the outer shell of the seed is not removed[K]. When cooked, however, and especially when baked, the seed becomes much sweeter and has a floury texture[K]. It then makes an excellent food and can be used as a staple food in much the same way as potatoes or cereals[K]. The skin (or pellicle) of the seed is easily peeled[8]. The seed is low in fats and oils but high in carbohydrates[8]. A nutritional analysis is available[10].
- Plant part
- Seed
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The burrs (seed cases?) are rich in tannin and are astringent and stomachic[6][10]. A decoction is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, uncontrollable nose bleed, dysentery, regurgitation and profound thirst[6]. The flowers are used in the treatment of scrofula[10]. The stem bark is used to treat poisoned wounds whilst the stem sap is used to treat lacquer poisoning[10].
- Product or use
- Antidote
- Product or use
- Astringent
- Product or use
- Stomachic
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The bark, leaves, wood and seed husks all contain tannin. Wood - hard, strong, light. Used for fence posts etc[4]. Coppiced for fuel.
- Product or use
- Fuel
- Product or use
- Tannin
- Product or use
- Wood
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Canopy
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China.
- Habitat
- Woods and forests to 2500 metres[3]. Mountain slopes from near sea level to 2,800 metres[12].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 4+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- drought
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- tolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - where possible sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in a seed bed outdoors[16]. The seed must be protected from mice and squirrels. The seed has a short viability and must not be allowed to become dry. It can be stored in a cool place, such as the salad compartment of a fridge, for a few months if it is kept moist, but check regularly for signs of germination. The seed should germinate in late winter or early spring. If sown in an outdoor seedbed, the plants can be left in situ for 1 - 2 years before planting them out in their permanent positions. If grown in pots, the plants can be put out into their permanent positions in the summer or autumn, making sure to give them some protection from the cold in their first winter[K].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Prefers a good well-drained slightly acid loam but succeeds in dry soils[1][4][9]. Once established, it is very drought tolerant[1][4][9]. Very tolerant of highly acid, infertile dry sands[9]. Averse to calcareous soils but succeeds on harder limestones[4][9]. Although very winter-hardy, this species does not do well in Britain, it only really thrives in areas with hot summers[9]. Does not fruit well in Britain[4][9]. A tree in semi-shade at Kew in 1990 was 9 metres tall[K]. Extensively cultivated for its edible seed in China, and also much grown in America, there are a number of named varieties[5][8][9][12]. Plants can fruit in 5 - 7 years from seed[5] and yields from mature trees are around 25 - 60 kilos per tree[7]. Resistant, but not immune, to blight[8], it is hybridized with C. dentata to try and find blight resistant cultivars with superior seeds[9]. A shallow rooted tree[7]. Responds well to coppicing[4][3]. An excellent soil-enriching understorey in pine forests[9]. Flowers are produced on wood of the current year's growth[11]. Plants are fairly self-sterile[9]. They hybridize freely with other members of this genus[9]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[9].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Wilson. E. H. Plantae Wilsonae.
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Rosengarten. jnr. F. The Book of Edible Nuts. Walker & Co. 1984-00-00 ISBN 0802707699
? A Barefoot Doctors Manual. Running Press ISBN 0-914294-92-X
Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987.
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. 1980-00-00 ISBN 0442238622
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202
Howes. F. N. Nuts. Faber 1948-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00