ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on the uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecology, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors of Japanese Chestnut. Trees propagated by whip-grafting to American chestnut. American species usually cut down, and the sprouts springing from the remaining roots, when 1.3 to 2 cm in diameter, are grafted with desired varieties of Japanese chestnut. Great quantities of Japanese chestnut are grown and consumed in Japan and China. More susceptible to chestnut blight fungus, Endothia parasitica, than the Chinese species, C. moltissima Trees may deteriorate slowly or be killed before reaching maturity. Kernel of nut used as food by Chinese and Japanese, both for humans and for fattening swine. In China and Korea, flowers are used for tuberculosis and scrofula. Decoction of fresh leaves said to allay skin irritation caused by lacquer. An ointment for boils made with powdered charcoal from involucres mixed with oil.
