Quercus leucotrichophora

Quercus leucotrichophora
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Clade:Rosids
Order:Fagales
Family:Fagaceae
Genus:Quercus
Subgenus:Quercus subg. Quercus
Section:Quercus sect. Quercus
Species: Q. leucotrichophora
Binomial name
Quercus leucotrichophora

Quercus leucotrichophora is a tree belonging to Family Fagaceae; commonly known as Banjh oak. In Nepal, it is known as Banjhi, Rainj, Khasarant, Tikhe bhanjh in Standard Nepali and Sulsing in Tamang language. Some authors named it as Quercus incana Roxburgh.[2]

Description

Quercus leucotrichophora is an evergreen tree bearing stalked, ovate to lancolate, acuminate, serrate, leathery, and dark green leaves which are glabrous above and densely white or gray pubescent beneath. Male flowers are slender and drooping spikes. Female spikes are sessile and axillary. An acorn is solitary.[2]

Phenology and reproduction

Quercus leucotrichophora flowers in April to May and fruits in August to October. Naturally, it regenerates via seeds.[2]

Ecology and distribution

Quercus leucotrichophora is distributed in Northern India, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In Nepal, it naturally occurs at 1500–2700 m in forested areas in association with Rhododendron arboreum.[2]

Uses and economic value

In the Himalayas, Quercus leucotrichophora is lopped for fodder from December to June.[3] Its wood is used in building purposes and as a good fuel.[2] The acorns are edible, and the seeds can be roasted to make a coffee substitute. Quercus leucotrichophora also has uses in ethnomedicine, the gum being used for treating colds and as an analgesic.[3]

Diseases

The tree is affected with many types of leaf galls caused by different types of insects. Many Cecidomyiidae genera such as Asphondylia, Lasioptera and Dasineura are known to cause plant galls. An unknown Itonididae (cecidomyiid) caused pouch leaf galls on the tree.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus". Tropicos. Missouri Botanical Garden.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Manandhar, Narayan P. (2002). Plants and People of Nepal. Portland, Oregon, USA: Timber Press. p. 388. ISBN 0881925276.
  3. 1 2 Heuzé V., Tran G., 2016. Banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora). Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO. https://www.feedipedia.org/node/108 Last updated on September 16, 2016, 1:24
  4. ↑ Mishra, P., and V. Patni. "Anatomical changes and development of Cecidomyiid leaf gall of Quercus leucotrichophora-Himalayan white oak." J Mycol Pl Pathol 38.2 (2008): 203-207.
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