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Chinquapin (Castanopsis)

Castanopsis, commonly called chinquapin or chinkapin, is a genus of evergreen trees belonging to the beech family, Fagaceae. This genus includes approximately 120 species.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Castanopsis (D. Don) Spach
• Family: Fagaceae (Beech family)
• Major Group: Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
• Synonyms:
  • Quercus Linnaeus unranked Castanopsis D. Don
  • Castanea indica Roxb. (for Castanopsis indica)
  • Quercus indica Drake del Castillo (for Castanopsis indica)
  • Castanea chrysophylla (for Giant chinkapin, Castanopsis chrysophylla)

Distribution and Habitat

• Most Castanopsis species occur in China, India, and Malaysia.
• Castanopsis sieboldii is native to subtropical eastern Asia.
• Castanopsis cuspidata is native to southern Japan and southern Korea.
• Castanopsis acuminatissima is native to Southeast Asia and New Guinea, growing between 1200 and 2900 m.
• In Nepal, Castanopsis acuminatissima is the most widely distributed species and grows between 450 and 2300 m.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Castanopsis are evergreen trees.
• Castanopsis cuspidata is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 m (82ft) tall and 10 m (32ft) wide.
• Some species have dense, evergreen foliage with bright golden-yellow undersides.

Ecological Role

• Castanopsis sieboldii is considered a climax species in its native habitat.
• Castanopsis fargesii is a dominant species in forests of subtropical China.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Tuberculate mycorrhizas have been observed in association with Castanopsis borneensis.
• Some fungi, such as Palawaniella castanopsis, occur on the living leaves of Castanopsis.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database: Castanopsis TSN 19458
• Flora Malesiana
• ARKive (for photos and facts)
• DELTA database (for Castanopsis spp. of SE Asia)