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 leaves are ovate to oblong, glossy green above and silvery tomentose on the underside. The texture is stiff-leathery and the whitish petiole is up to 25mm (1in) long. The apex is acute and the marginal serrations are pointed.

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

Fruit: The ovoid-oblong acorn is solitary or in pairs and may be sessile. The hemispherical (cap) involucre covers up to one half of the chocolate brown nut.