Lithocarpus edulis (Japanese Oak)

Another one of those obscure little evergreen trees that we find so irresistible. It's from Japan, is an oak relative, is extremely hardy and has a distinctly exotic air.

One must own that it's slow of growth but well worth waiting for. A broad little tree to 10ft after 15 years for full sun or light shade on any reasonably well drained soil. The seed (an acorn by any other name) is edible (edulis means edible). We've noticed that being a slow grower, it's particularly amenable to growing in a pot - for a while.

The young growth is pale green and delicious and contrasts beautifully with the previous year's dark glossy green leaves.

Propagated by us from cuttings - originally from Tresco Abbey Garden. For any Lithocarpus freaks out there, we usually have a few plants of the even more obscure Lithocarpus henryana. Even slower growing with longer, thinner leaves. Again from cutting originally from the garden on Tresco.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.