Lithocarpus polystachyus Seeds | Many-spiked Tanoak
LATIN NAME: Lithocarpus polystachyus
COMMON NAME: Many-Spiked Tanoak
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Many-Spiked Tanoak, Lithocarpus polystachyus is a tall, evergreen tree in the beech family (Fagaceae), native to warm hill forests of the south-western China, while it is treasured for its fine, dense, evergreen crown. High in warm hill forests of the south-western China, this oak-like tree holds its own among big hardwoods. Dense, glossy crown stays green through year, and small acorns ripen to a warm brown in autumn, feeding forest creatures through cooler months. Mature plants top out at about Twenty metres. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the beech family, Lithocarpus polystachyus draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Studies of many-spiked tanoak have circled around its place in warm hill forest. Because it has been grown for so long, its garden habits are thoroughly documented.
Uses & Benefits
Many-Spiked Tanoak works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. For garden and forest, many-spiked tanoak is a generous tree. Its small, inconspicuous catkins feed many insects, and its small, round, woody acorns feed birds and forest creatures, while its dense, glossy, evergreen crown gives a fine shade and a shelter. Its sweetish leaves have a long history of use as a brewing tea in region, and its fine, hard wood has been valued in the building. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Tan oaks give edible, starchy acorns after leaching, a traditional food of East Asian mountain peoples, and durable timber.
Growing from Seed
Raising Many-Spiked Tanoak from seed is straightforward. A simple routine works well: sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, maintain even moisture, and provide bright light. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
It is a solid representative of the Lithocarpus group, true to type from seed. Reaching twenty metres, it needs room to show its full form. Established seedlings need little beyond ordinary attention.
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