Lithocarpus encleisacarpus is a tree in the beech family Fagaceae. The specific epithet is from the Greek meaning 'enclosed fruit', referring to the acorns and cupules.[2] The cupule is not fused to the nut though and often becomes irregularly dehiscent.[3] The degree to which the nut is enclosed by the cupule varies across its geographic range. Trees in Lithocarpus are commonly known as the stone oaks and differ from Quercus primarily because they produce insect-pollinated flowers.
Lithocarpus encleisacarpus | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Fagales |
Family: | Fagaceae |
Genus: | Lithocarpus |
Species: | L. encleisacarpus
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Binomial name | |
Lithocarpus encleisacarpus | |
Synonyms[1] | |
Description
editLithocarpus encleisacarpus grows as a tree up to 40 metres (130 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 75 cm (30 in). The greyish brown bark is smooth or scaly or lenticellate. The coriaceous leaves measure up to 15 cm (6 in) long and have obscure tertiary web-like reticulations. Its dark brown acorns are ovoid to roundish and measure up to 3 cm (1.2 in) across.[2] The fruits typically have 1-1.5 cm stalks and the cupule has several smooth to slightly ridge-like lamellae circling or spiraling around the outside. The nuts are free from the cupule and have silvery tomentum.
Distribution and habitat
editLithocarpus encleisacarpus grows naturally in Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Borneo.[1][2] Its habitat is mixed dipterocarp to lower montane forests from 1,000 m (3,300 ft) to 1,500 m (5,000 ft) elevation.[2]
Uses
editThe timber is locally used as firewood and in construction. The bark's tannins are used in dyeing.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Lithocarpus encleisacarpus". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (WCSP). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
- ^ a b c d e Soepadmo, E.; Julia, L.; Go, Rusea (2000). "Lithocarpus encleisocarpus (Korth.) A.Camus". In Soepadmo, E.; Saw, L. G. (eds.). Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak. (free online from the publisher, lesser resolution scan PDF versions). Vol. 3. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. pp. 56–57. ISBN 983-2181-06-2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 7 Oct 2016.
- ^ Soepadmo, E. (1972). "Fagaceae". Flora Malesiana: Series I - Spermatophytes. 7: 265–403.