Propagation
Sow fresh seed during autumn in situ or in a deep container and commonly no scarification is required. Maintain a temperature of 19º to 27º C. (66º to 81º 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 dark green leaves are oblong to obovate and are pale and pubescent on the underside. The apex is acute and the petiole is up to 30mm (1¥in) long. The deep serrations are sharply pointed and the texture is stiff-leathery.
Flower: 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 appear on the current or previous season`s growth during spring.
The female flowers appear on the same plant soon after on short stalks above the males.(monoecious)
Fruit: The solitary acorn is ovoid and may be sessile. The (cap) involucre covers one third of the acorn and is covered in greyish tomentose.