About Quercus semecarpifolia Sm.
Quercus semecarpifolia is an Asian oak species, native to the Himalayas and adjacent mountains of Tibet, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, where it is commonly called kharsu. It is classified in the genus Quercus, subgenus Cerris, section Ilex. This is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet) in height. Its leaves grow up to 12 centimeters (4 3/4 inches) long, have a small number of teeth along their edges, and are rounded at the tip. This species has been successfully cultivated in middle Europe, specifically western Germany, where it grows without damage in winter hardiness zone 7, tolerating temperatures as low as -14 °C. Cultivated plants develop into attractive, full specimens ranging from a showy bush to a small tree, with lush green foliage. The specific epithet semecarpifolia was chosen because the leaves of this oak resemble the leaves of Semecarpus anacardium. Within its native range, Quercus semecarpifolia acts as a keystone species, and can make up as much as 80% of the tree population at elevations between 2700 and 3300 meters. In less degraded areas within its native range, Q. semecarpifolia limits light reaching the forest floor, which encourages the growth of shade-tolerant herbaceous plant species. Local communities use kharsu more often than other native oaks, harvesting it for food, animal fodder, fuel, and timber. Its leaves are also known to support Antheraea proylei silkworms and goats, and are associated with preventing slug infestations.
