Tropical Plant "Spanish chestnut"
Castanea sativa

Characteristics - The Spanish chestnut is an exotic fruit tree, occasionally cultivated in domestic orchards, mainly in the southern part of the country; it originated in Europe, North Africa and China. It is a deciduous tree with a wide, low crown, 20-25 m tall. Leaves are coriaceous, 15-25 cm long. Flowers are unisexual in axillary spikes, with 1 -3 female flowers at the base and the male flowers covering the rest of the inflorescence; they form in August-September. The fruits ripen and fall off in December and January and are espinescent. On opening they spontaneously release their only seed which has a starchy, somewhat oily consistency, and is protected by a fibrose skin.

Uses - The seeds (chestnuts) can be consumed in natura, but are generally cooked or roasted, to facilitate digestion.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.