Castanopsis fissaChinese Chinquapin

The Castanopsis fissa, known as the Chinese Chinquapin, is a fast evergreen canopy tree of southern China and northern Vietnam, widely used there in reforestation because it establishes quickly on poor lateritic ground. Leathery oblong leaves are glossy above and bronze-brown beneath, and new growth flushes a strong red-bronze that carries across a whole crown.

In designed landscapes it is planted for shade in parks, along roads and across large open sites where quick canopy is the priority.

Specifications

• Height15 to 20 metres
• Width8 to 12 metres
• Native toSouthern China and northern Vietnam
• FoliageLeathery, oblong-elliptic leaves, glossy above and bronze-brown beneath, with a strong red-bronze new flush; evergreen
• Growth rateFast

Conditions

• SoilPrefers acidic, well-drained lateritic or loamy soils; tolerates poor and infertile ground
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterModerate; benefits from reliable rainfall or irrigation while establishing
• ClimateThrives in humid subtropical regions

Additional Features

• FormDense rounded crown on a straight single trunk
• UsesIdeal for park and roadside shade, reforestation and large-scale open site planting
• SpacingPlant 6 to 8 metres apart for a closed canopy
• Low MaintenanceRequires formative pruning only; self-shapes once established
• Pest ResistanceGenerally robust in its climate range
• Seasonal AppealCoppery red new growth flushes across the crown in the growing season

The Chinese Chinquapin puts real canopy over a site faster than most evergreen alternatives in the humid subtropics.