Castanea mollissima

Castanea mollissima, also known as the Chinese chestnut, is a species of chestnut native to China, Taiwan, and Korea. It is a member of the family Fagaceae, which includes a wide range of trees and shrubs primarily distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Description[edit]

The Castanea mollissima is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, 10–22 cm long and 4.5–8 cm broad, with a serrated margin. The flowers are catkins, produced in mid summer. The fruit is a spiny cupule 5–11 cm diameter, containing one to three nuts.

Distribution and habitat[edit]

Castanea mollissima is native to China, Taiwan, and Korea. It is found in a variety of habitats, from mountainous regions to lowland forests. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of a range of pH levels.

Uses[edit]

The nuts of Castanea mollissima are edible and are a popular food in China. They are also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The wood is used for furniture and construction.

Cultivation[edit]

Castanea mollissima is cultivated for its nuts in China and other parts of the world. It is also used in forestry for reforestation and erosion control.

Conservation[edit]

While Castanea mollissima is not currently considered threatened, it is susceptible to chestnut blight, a fungal disease that has decimated populations of chestnut trees in North America.