Saninten or known as Latin Castanopsis argentea is a plant that grows in a mixed forest. This plant is spread in western Java, east and Sumatra. Usually grows at an altitude between 200 - 1400 above sea level. Castanopsis belongs to the Fagaceae tribe and consists of 120 species that are native to tropical and sub-tropical Asia.
The spiny fruit protects the seeds inside, stemmed in groups like rambutan, but smaller. The skin is hard, hard to open, also safe to eat by humans, because this seeds Saninten as a favorite food of monkeys around the forest. Fruits or seeds eaten by safe monkeys are also eaten by humans. While humans as a cultured creature, Saninten seeds are usually boiled or burned before eating.
Characteristic feature of the saninten tree
Saninten is a medium-to-large tree with a height of 40 m, not branched to a height of 25 m, with a diameter of 100-155 cm, has no board roots. The shell of the surface is dark gray. The leaves are 9-20 cm X 3-12 cm in size, with 9-15 pairs of secondary leaf bones, silver-gray and scaly on the bottom.
The benefits of the saninten tree
This tree is used for wood, dyes and seeds that can be eaten for local use. Saninten wood is usually used for building materials, floors, tables, chairs, tiles, bridges, wooden tubs, door frames and windows.