Algerian oak (Quercus canariensis, Enum. Pl.: 975 (1809))

Family: Fagaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Enum. Pl.: 975 (1809)

Year: 1809

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Portugal to Spain, NW. Africa

Description

The Algerian oak, scientifically known as Quercus canariensis, is a notable species within the family Fagaceae. First described in the early 19th century by the botanist Willd. in the bibliography Enum. Pl.: 975 (1809), this majestic tree has captured the interest of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Native to a specific range that spans from Southern Portugal to Spain and extends into Northwestern Africa, the Algerian oak thrives in these geographical regions. It is well-adapted to the Mediterranean climate prevalent in these areas, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The adaptation to such a unique climate underscores its evolutionary resilience and ecological significance.

The tree itself is robust and exhibits the quintessential characteristics of oaks, with a strong trunk and a broad, spreading canopy that provides ample shade. The leaves of the Algerian oak are typically large and lobed, displaying a deep green hue that contributes to the tree’s lush appearance. During the autumn, the foliage can turn a vibrant array of colors, adding to its visual appeal and ecological value.

In its natural habitats, the Algerian oak often plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Its acorns serve as a vital food source for various wildlife, including birds and mammals. Additionally, the tree provides essential habitat and shelter for numerous species, thus supporting biodiversity.

The Algerian oak is not only important in wild landscapes but also holds potential for ornamental use in parks and gardens, where its grandeur and shade can be appreciated in human-altered environments. Thanks to its resilience and adaptability, Quercus canariensis can be a valuable addition to reforestation projects and efforts aimed at combating desertification in its native regions.

In summary, the Algerian oak is a remarkable species with significant ecological, ornamental, and environmental value. Its presence from Southern Portugal and Spain to Northwestern Africa highlights a rich connection to the Mediterranean landscape and underscores its role in sustaining diverse ecosystems.

Common Names

Eng: algerian oak, mirbeck’s oak, mirbecks oak
Fra: chêne des canaries, chêne zéen
Cym: derw algeria, derwen algeria
En: Algerian oak, Mirbeck’s oak, Mirbecks Oak, Canary Oak
Af: Algerynse eik
Ar: سنديان كناري
Eu: Kanariar ametz
Bg: Канарски дъб
Ca: Roure africà
Hr: Kanarski hrast
Fi: Marokontammi
Fr: Chêne zéen, Chêne des Canaries
Gl: Carballo mediterráneo
De: Algerische Eiche
Hu: Kanári-tölgy
It: Quercia d’Algeria, Quercia delle Canarie
No: Kanarieeik
Fa: بلوط الجزایری
Pl: Dąb algierski
Pt: Carvalho-das-canárias
Ru: Дуб канарский
Es: Quejigo, Quejigo andaluz, Roble andaluz
Cy: Derwen Algeria, Derw Algeria

Synonyms

• Quercus corymbifolia (Ehrenb. ex Boiss.)
• Quercus viveri (Sennen)
• Quercus mirbeckii f. brevipetiolata (Trab.)
• Quercus canariensis var. mirbeckii ((Durieu) C.Vicioso)
• Quercus faginea var. microphylla ((Trab.) Maire & Saccardy)
• Quercus mirbeckii var. typica (A.Camus)
• Quercus lusitanica subsp. salzmanniana ((Webb) Cout.)
• Quercus mirbeckii f. angustifolia (Trab.)
• Quercus lusitanica var. fagifolia (Jahand. & Maire)
• Quercus salzmanniana ((Webb) Cout.)
• Quercus cypri (Kotschy ex A.DC.)
• Quercus lusitanica var. mirbeckii ((Durieu) A.DC.)
• Quercus gibraltarica (K.Koch)
• Quercus canariensis var. carpinifolia (C.Vicioso)
• Quercus mirbeckii f. subpedunculata (Trab.)
• Quercus nordafricana (Villar)
• Quercus faginea var. mirbeckii ((Durieu) Maire)
• Quercus mirbeckii f. fagifolia (Trab.)
• Quercus lusitanica subsp. mirbeckii ((Durieu) Ball)
• Quercus mirbeckii f. microphylla (Trab.)
• Quercus mirbeckii (Durieu)
• Quercus infectoria subsp. mirbeckii ((Durieu) Nyman)
• Quercus canariensis var. salzmanniana ((Webb) C.Vicioso)
• Quercus faginea var. fagifolia ((Trab.) Jahand. & Maire)
• Quercus esculenta (K.Koch)
• Quercus lusitanica var. salzmanniana (Webb)
• Quercus faginea var. salzmanniana ((Webb) Samp.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2020 by Flo Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2019 by etxeberria malen (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Diego Cuenca Gómez-Limón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 4, 2021 by Diego Cuenca Gómez-Limón (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2019 by liquidambar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 17, 2019 by Christine Geffroy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Jiménez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (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.

Fruit

Taken Jan 18, 2020 by Anneque (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2020 by Olivera Nestor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2020 by Olivera Nestor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2019 by liquidambar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2019 by Brahim Ezequiel (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 11, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2020 by Roland L hôte (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2020 by Joaquin Guzman Espinola (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2020 by Mayeul Nicolas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by charles Kingston (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Nov 11, 2021 by Marian Caballero Aranda (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2880808)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:295904-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus canariensis Willd.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 5