Fagaceae FAMILY

Quercus candicans

Edibility

1/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

All parts of the plant contain tannins. Whilst tannins are found in many foods, and have a range of medicinal uses. They are usually only present in low concentrations. In some foods made from oaks (particularly the seeds), the tannin content can be quite high unless the food is treated to reduce tannin content. Tannins are only of low toxicity and, because of their bitter taste and astringency, are unlikely to be eaten in large quantities. However, if they are taken in excess, they can cause stomach pains; constipation followed by bloody diarrhoea: excessive thirst; and excessive urination[ 293 Title Poisonous Plants of North Carolina Publication Author Website http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/poison.htm Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent concise but comprehensive guide to toxic plants that grow in N. Carolina. It lists even those plants that are of very low toxicity, including several well-known food plants such as carrots and potatoes. ].

Botanical Description

Quercus candicans is a semi-evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall. The bole can be up to 100cm in diameter[ 1212 Title New Trees Publication Author Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H. Publisher Kew Publishing; London Year 2009 ISBN 1842461737 Description Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades. ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials, perhaps also as a food. The wood is of good quality and is harvested commercially.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeCentral America - Guatemala, north to northern Mexico

HabitatHill slopes, humid valleys and plains; common in cloud forests with Abies and Pinus species; at elevations from 1,200 - 2,700 metres[ 1212 Title New Trees Publication Author Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H. Publisher Kew Publishing; London Year 2009 ISBN 1842461737 Description Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades. ]. Rather dry, openly forested mountain slopes or in quebradas or barrancos in Guatemala[ 331 Title Flora of Guatemala Publication Author Standley P.C. & J. A. Steyermark Website http://www.archive.org/ Publisher Year 1946 - 1976 ISBN Description A superb reference, though somewhat dated. Gives lots of plant uses as well as information on plant habit and habitat. The entire flora (13 volumes) can now be downloaded from http://www.archive.org/ ].