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 glossy dark green leaves are obovate to oblong-obovate and are up to 100mm (4in) wide. The undulating margin has 6-10 coarsely toothed or shallow lobes and the underside is covered in whitish tomentose. The texture is leathery and the petiole is up to 20mm (ľin) long. During autumn the leaves turn yellowish before falling.

Flower: The staminate (male) flowers have up to 6-stamens that are arranged on slender pendulous catkins (spike-like). The female flowers are solitary or arranged in a small spike that appears in the leaf axils. Both appear on the current or previous season growth during spring.

Fruit: The oblong-ovoid acorn is solitary or appears in pairs with a light brown (cap) involucre that covers one third of the acorn and it has a long slender peduncle up to 100mm (4in).


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 it require little pruning apart from removal or dead or damaged branches.