Encyclopedia
of Stanford Trees, Shrubs, and Vines
Castanea sativa. SPANISH CHESTNUT. North Temperate Zone
FAGACEAE (Beech family)
A tall, broad, deciduous tree much appreciated in Europe
for its abundant spiny, edible fruit, and the social activity that accompanies
the roasting. C. mollissima, Chinese chestnut, is also suitable locally.
Chestnut trees require plenty of space; there are no known examples on campus,
plenty of space; there are no known examples on campus, but specimens might be
found on one or more of the Chestnut streets in nearby cities. The 'chestnut'
in the King James Bible, a tree from which Jacob took cuttings for fraudulent
purposes, more likely refers to the white poplar. The name 'chestnut' (Fr. châtaignier,
Ger. Kastanie, Russ. kashtan, Sp. castaña) came
from the name of a Greek town Kastania (modern Turkish Kestane).
Illustrations (links open new windows): habit |
Additions/Revisions:
Name derivation, genus | species Greek town Kastania (modern Turkish Kestane) | cultivated
Related
material: |
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