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.


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.

Botanic information
Leaf: The glossy green leaves are broad-lanceolate to oblong with a rounded base and the petiole is up to 50mm (2in) long. The leaves are downy when young then becoming glabrous and glossy on the upper surface. The margin has regular serrations that are bristle tipped. (Spiny).

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 cluster in the leaf axils. Both occur on the current or previous season`s growth during spring.

Fruit: The small ovoid sessile acorn has cups that are covered in long slender pubescent scales that are ? thelength of the nut.