Description
Quercus ilex, the evergreen oak, holly oak or holm oak, is a large evergreen oak native to the Mediterranean region. It takes its name from holm, an ancient name for holly. It is a member of the Cerris section of the genus,with acorns that mature in a single summer.
The first trees to be grown from acorns in England are still to be found within the stately grounds of Mamhead Park, Devon. From Britton & Brayley The Beauties of England and Wales (1803).
“The woods and plantations of Mamhead are numerous and extensive. Many of them were introduced by Mr Thomas Balle (sic), the last of that family who, on returning from the continent brought with him a quantity of cork, ilex, wainscot, oak; Spanish chestnut, acacia, and other species of exotic trees
Distribution:
- Quercus ilex subsp. ilex. Native in the north and east of the species’ range, from northern Iberia and France east to Greece.
- Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia (syn. Q. rotundifolia, Q. ballota). Native in the southwest of the species’ range, in central and southern Iberia (Portugal and Spain) and northwest Africa.
Species: Quercus ilex | holm oak | evergreen oak
Family: Fagaceae | Genus Quercus
Height: 20 – 25 m
Q. ilex is a large evergreen tree with black, finely cracked bark,
developing a massive, rounded crown. Glossy dark green, ovate
leaves, whitish beneath contrast with whitish young foliage and
yellow catkins
Plant range: Mediterranean
- Compesation timing: CO2 100 Kg.
- CO2 Annual compensation: 5Kg / year.
- CO2 offset period: 0 anni 20 anni.
- Average natural life span: 500 anni.
