Botanical Overview
Castanopsis eyrei is a species in the Fagaceae family. The beech family (Fagaceae) includes trees with simple, alternate leaves and inconspicuous flowers arranged in catkins. The fruits are nuts partially enclosed in a woody cupule (acorns in oaks). This family dominates many temperate and subtropical forests and provides tannins with astringent medicinal properties. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
An evergreen tree typically 8 to 20 m (25 to 65 ft) tall, it is usually found in late successional forests from 300 to 1,700 m (950 to 5,600 ft) above sea level, where it is often the dominant species. It is used as a street tree in a number of southern Chinese cities.
Family Context
The Fagaceae family is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Notable medicinal members include:
- European Chestnut — 27 documented uses
- White Oak — 15 documented uses
- English Oak — 15 documented uses
- Black Oak — 9 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Castanopsis eyrei has been recorded in 8 countries and territories worldwide, including Andorra, China, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulin.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Further ethnobotanical and pharmacological research may reveal additional therapeutic applications for this species.