Castanea sativa

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Castanea sativa

Castanea sativa (pronunciation: kas-ta-NE-a sa-TI-va), commonly known as the European chestnut or sweet chestnut, is a species of tree in the family Fagaceae, native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor.

Etymology

The genus name Castanea is derived from the Latin word 'castanea' meaning 'chestnut'. The species epithet 'sativa' is Latin for 'cultivated'.

Description

Castanea sativa is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 30-35 meters. The leaves are simple, oblong and toothed. The flowers are catkins, with the male flowers being longer and the female flowers being shorter and located at the base of the catkin. The fruit is a spiny cupule that contains usually one (sometimes two or three) brown, shiny chestnut.

Uses

The nuts of Castanea sativa are edible and have been used in cooking for thousands of years. They can be roasted or boiled and are often used in desserts. The wood of the tree is also used for various purposes, including furniture and building materials.

Related Terms

  • Fagaceae: The family of flowering plants that includes Castanea sativa.
  • Deciduous: A term used to describe trees or shrubs that shed their leaves annually.
  • Catkin: A slim, cylindrical flower cluster, with inconspicuous or no petals.
  • Cupule: A protective, often spiny covering of the fruit in some plants.

External links

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