Propagation
Sow fresh seed during autumn in situ or in a deep container and commonly no scarification is required. Maintain a temperature of 19ş to 27ş C. (66ş to 81ş F) during spring and keep moist.

The seeds lose viability quickly so do not allow the seeds to dry out. Plant out as soon as possible as the tree dislikes root disturbance.

Botanic information
Leaf: The leaf shape varies from broad-elliptical to oblong and is convex with the margin having small spines. The texture is leathery and the petiole is up to 25mm (1in) long. The upper surface is glossy dark green and the vein axils on the underside have tufts of down.

Flower: The tree is monoecious. The staminate (male) flowers have 6-stamens and are arranged on slender pendulous catkins (spike-like). The female flowers are solitary or in a small axillary cluster. Both appear on the current or previous season`s growth during spring.

Fruit: The conical shaped acorn is solitary and has a short stalk or is sessile. It is deeply enclosed in the pubescent cup and takes 12 months to mature.

General pruning information
Train to a single leader and cut back unwanted branches to the collar. The crown may be lifted or thinned to allow light to penetrate. Once established they require little pruning apart from removal or dead or damaged branches.