Lithocarpus Harlandii
Contents
Description
Lithocarpus Harlandii, also known as Harland’s Stone Oak, is a species of evergreen tree in the family Fagaceae. It is native to China, specifically in the provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan, where it can be found in the subtropical forests growing at altitudes of 1,000-2,500 meters above sea level.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Lithocarpus |
Appearance
Lithocarpus Harlandii is a large evergreen tree, reaching up to 20-25 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 80-100 cm. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with an elliptical shape and a length of 10-20 cm. The tree produces flowers in the form of catkins, which appear in the spring, and the fruit is a large acorn-like nut that is roughly spherical in shape and covered in a spiny husk. The nut is edible and is an important food source for wildlife in its native habitat.
Care Guide
Lithocarpus Harlandii prefers well-drained, acidic soils and partial shade to full sun. It is not particularly fussy about its water requirements, but it does not tolerate drought conditions well. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, and prune it in the winter to shape it or remove any dead wood. Lithocarpus Harlandii is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lithocarpus Harlandii is generally resistant to pests and diseases, although it may occasionally be affected by oak wilt. This fungal disease can be fatal and is spread by sap-feeding beetles, which are attracted to trees that are already infected. If you suspect that your tree has oak wilt, contact a professional arborist immediately.
Habitat
Lithocarpus Harlandii is native to the subtropical forests of China, where it grows at altitudes of 1,000-2,500 meters above sea level. It is a slow-growing tree that is well-suited to the humid, temperate climate of its native habitat.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lithocarpus Harlandii an evergreen or deciduous tree?
A: Lithocarpus Harlandii is an evergreen tree.
Q: Can Lithocarpus Harlandii be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow Lithocarpus Harlandii in a container, it is not recommended due to the tree’s large size and slow growth rate.
Q: Does Lithocarpus Harlandii produce edible fruit?
A: Yes, the tree produces large acorn-like nuts that are edible and an important food source for wildlife in its native habitat.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Lithocarpus Harlandii?
A: Lithocarpus Harlandii is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Related Plants
- Lithocarpus Cleistocarpus
- Lithocarpus Erythrocarpus
- Lithocarpus Glaber
- Lithocarpus Polystachyus
References
- “Lithocarpus Harlandii.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-114166.
- “Lithocarpus Harlandii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=k550.
- “Lithocarpus Harlandii.” Flora of China, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200005377.
