What Is Fagus Sylvatica?

Shui Qinggang (scientific name: Fagus longipetiolata Seem.) Is a plant belonging to the genus Shui Qinggang of the family Fagaceae, with a height of 25 meters, winter buds up to 20 mm, and the lenticels of the twigs are narrowly oblong or nearly round. The leaves are 9-15 cm long and 4-6 cm wide. The petiole is 1-3.5 cm long. The total pedicel is 1-10 cm in length; the crust 4 (3) petals are split, and the clefts are 20-35 mm in length; the nuts are slightly shorter or equal in length than the cleft petals, and the ridges have narrow and slightly extended thin wings. Flowering from April to May, fruiting from September to October.

Shuiqinggang grows in mountainous woodlands at 300-2400 meters above sea level. It is mostly found on the slopes of the sun. It is mixed with evergreen or deciduous trees, and it is often an upper tree species. ^[3]

Distributed in the south of the Qinling Mountains and north of the south slope of the Wuling Mountains in China ^[3]

Afforestation land should be selected above 450 meters above sea level, with deep soil layers, moist and fertile hillsides or valleys, and yellow or red soil with acidic soil. The row spacing of the afforestation plants is 2 × 2 meters or 3 × 3 meters, and they should be planted after the early spring rain. Within 3-4 years after afforestation, tending will be carried out in summer and autumn every year, and combined with tending, gradually expand planting holes and promote the growth of young forests. ^[4]

The wood is loose-porous, with a straight texture and a structure rent. The bulk density is 0.777 grams per cubic centimeter. It has odor, few insects, smooth wounds, and beautiful texture. It is suitable for plywood and veneer. Aviation equipment, vehicles, textiles, construction and furniture. Seeds are edible, and oil can also be squeezed for food or industrial use. Long life, up to 400 years. It is one of the main afforestation tree species at high altitude. ^[4]