Castanea

The genus Castanea comprises seven species of deciduous trees in the beech family, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These trees are known for their burlike fruits containing edible nuts, and several species are cultivated for ornamental purposes and timber.1

Commonly called chestnuts are also found in related genera, such as Castanopsis, and other unrelated trees like the horse chestnut (Aesculus species).1

A significant threat to chestnut trees, particularly the American chestnut (C. dentata), is chestnut blight, a fungal disease caused by Cryphonectria parasitica. This disease, accidentally introduced from Asia, has devastated American chestnut populations, leading to severe economic impacts on nut and lumber industries. While Chinese and Japanese chestnuts exhibit resistance, efforts are underway to develop blight-resistant hybrids for restoration.23