Family: Fagaceae
Author: Lam.
Bibliography: Encycl. 1: 723 (1785)
Year: 1785
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Quercus
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Medit.
Description
The Evergreen Oak, scientifically known as Quercus rotundifolia, is a remarkable and resilient species that belongs to the Fagaceae family. First documented in 1785 in the work “Encycl. 1: 723” by author Lam., this tree has established itself as a prominent feature of the Western Mediterranean landscape.
Renowned for its hardy nature and its ability to thrive in diverse environments, the Evergreen Oak is a testament to the enduring beauty and adaptability of Mediterranean flora. The tree’s robust leaves are thick and oval-shaped, hence the epithet “rotundifolia,” which signifies “round leaf.” These leaves are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, providing year-round foliage that remains vibrant through the changing seasons.
The Evergreen Oak stands out not only for its persistence but also for the broad ecological value it offers. It serves as a critical habitat and food source for various wildlife, fostering biodiversity in the ecosystems it inhabits. Its acorns are particularly noteworthy, ensuring the proliferation of the species while supporting the diet of many animal species, from birds to small mammals.
Historically and culturally, Quercus rotundifolia holds significant importance. In many Western Mediterranean cultures, the tree is a symbol of strength and endurance. It has been utilized for various practical purposes, including providing durable wood for construction and firewood. Additionally, certain culinary traditions have also recognized the value of its acorns.
Overall, the Evergreen Oak encapsulates the resilience and steady growth emblematic of the Mediterranean forests. Through its longevity and utility, it continues to play an integral role in maintaining the health and stability of its native ecosystems while representing an enduring natural heritage.
Common Names
Eng: holm oak
Por: azinheira, azinho
Spa: carrasca, chaparra
Fra: chêne vert
En: Evergreen Oak, Holly oak, Holm Oak, Sweet Acorn Oak
Ar: كويركوس روتونديفوليا
Ca: Carrasca
Fr: Chêne vert
Hu: Kereklevelű magyaltölgy
Pt: Azinheira, Azinho
Es: Carrasca, Chaparra
Synonyms
- Quercus ilex var. oleoides ((Cout.) Albert)
- Quercus ilex subvar. rotundifolia ((Lam.) A.Camus)
- Quercus ilex f. macrophylla (Villar)
- Quercus ilex f. oleoides (Cout.)
- Quercus ilex var. calicina ((Poir.) Laguna)
- Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia ((Lam.) O.Schwarz ex Tab.Morais)
- Quercus lyauteyi (Sennen)
- Quercus ballota var. rotundifolia ((Lam.) Nyman)
- Quercus ilex f. brevicupulata (Laguna)
- Quercus ilex subvar. major (Villar)
- Quercus ilex var. pendula (Trab.)
- Quercus rotundifolia f. dolichocalyx (F.M.Vázquez)
- Quercus calicina (Poir.)
- Quercus rotundifolia f. pilosella (F.M.Vázquez)
- Quercus rotundifolia f. macrocarpa ((Cout.) F.M.Vázquez)
- Quercus ilex var. rotundifolia ((Lam.) Trab.)
- Quercus sugaro (Mattioli)
- Quercus ilex subvar. pendula ((Trab.) A.Camus)
- Quercus ilex f. pendula ((Trab.) Trab.)
- Quercus ilex f. ballota ((Desf.) Trab.)
- Quercus ilex f. rotundifolia ((Lam.) Trab.)
- Quercus ilex subvar. minor (Villar)
- Quercus ballota (Desf.)
- Quercus ilex var. ballota ((Desf.) A.DC.)
- Quercus ilex f. calicina ((Poir.) Laguna)
- Quercus ilex var. microcarpa (Gand. ex A.Camus)
- Quercus rotundifolia f. calicina ((Poir.) F.M.Vázquez, Espárrago, López Marq., Jaraq. & Carmen Pérez)
- Quercus ilex f. macrocarpa (Cout.)
- Quercus rotundifolia f. brevicupulata ((Laguna) F.M.Vázquez)
- Quercus rotundifolia var. macrocarpa ((Cout.) F.M.Vázquez, S.Ramos & S.García)
- Quercus ilex var. brevicupulata ((Laguna) C.Vicioso)
- Quercus ilex subsp. ballota ((Desf.) Samp.)
- Quercus ilex var. dolichocalyx (C.Vicioso)
- Quercus rotundifolia var. pilosella ((F.M.Vázquez) F.M.Vázquez, S.Ramos & S.García)
- Quercus rotundifolia var. brevicupulata ((Laguna) F.M.Vázquez, S.Ramos & S.García)
- Quercus rotundifolia subsp. maghrebiana (P.Lebreton, Barbéro & Quézel)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- France (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Spain (native)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Madeira (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Guy MOLL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 31, 2020 by Ornithia Antonio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Noya Jordi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Torrealday Miren (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 12, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 12, 2018 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Guy MOLL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Guy MOLL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2014 by Manuel Familiar Ramos (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2881550)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:296696-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus rotundifolia Lam.)