How to identify Chinese beech (Fagus engleriana)
Chinese beech is a deciduous tree characterized by its alternate, simple, and distinctly toothed leaves, which possess a singular tooth at each secondary vein junction. Its foliage arrangement facilitates identification. The tree blooms with small, inconspicuous flowers that may be overlooked. Notably, it produces a fruit in the form of a 3-angled nut that is encased within a slightly spiny husk, which is less robust compared to other species in its genus. Each of these features is integral to recognizing chinese beech.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Alternate, toothed leaves with singular teeth at secondary vein junctions aid in identification.
Inconspicuous flowers, unisexual, greenish-yellow, bloom in late spring for effective pollination.
3-angled nut in lightly spiny husk, brown, 0.5-0.8 inches (1.3-2 cm) long.
Elliptical to ovate leaves, 4 inches (10 cm) long, deep green upper surface, yellow to golden-brown in autumn.
The leaves of chinese beech are alternate, simple, and measure approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in length. They have an elliptical to ovate shape with smooth margins and a slightly wavy outline. The leaves are a deep green color on the upper surface, while the undersides are lighter with a fine, silky texture. The prominent central vein with lateral veins branching off is highly noticeable. In autumn, the leaves turn a striking yellow to golden-brown, enhancing their identification.
Chinese beech's flowers are small and inconspicuous, typically less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. They are unisexual, with male flowers appearing in clusters called catkins and female flowers forming in pairs surrounded by a cupule characteristic of the genus. The flowers are usually greenish or yellowish-green, blending with the foliage, and lack a significant scent. They bloom in late spring, coinciding with leaf emergence, ensuring effective pollination.
The fruit of chinese beech is notable for its nut wrapped in a lightly spiny husk. Each nut, bearing a triangular form, is encased within this protective cover, which can be described as a bristly, unarmored involucre. The fruit's complexion is typically a muted brown, blending with the forest floor upon falling from its high canopy. Its dimensions are modest, with each nut measuring approximately 0.5-0.8 inches (1.3-2 cm) in length. The texture of the nut is firm and solid, typical of tree nuts, while the husk provides a semi-rigid exterior that splits upon maturation.
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Scientific Classification of Chinese beech
