Family: Fagaceae
Author: Thunb.
Bibliography: J.A.Murray (ed.), Syst. Veg. ed. 14.: 858 (1784)
Year: 1784
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Quercus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: China (Guangdong, Hong Kong), Taiwan, S. Korea (incl. Jeju-do), C. & S. Japan
Description
The Japanese evergreen oak, scientifically known as Quercus acuta, is an intriguing and resilient member of the Fagaceae family. This species was first described in 1784 by the botanist Thunberg, as documented in the 14th edition of the “Systema Vegetabilium” edited by J.A. Murray.
Quercus acuta is predominantly found across various regions in East Asia. Its native habitats extend through southern parts of China, including Guangdong Province and the vibrant area of Hong Kong. It is also indigenous to Taiwan and has established a presence in South Korea, particularly in Jeju-do. In Japan, it ranges through both central and southern locales, showcasing its adaptability in diverse climates.
As an evergreen oak, Quercus acuta maintains its foliage throughout the year, providing a constant green canopy. This characteristic makes it a valuable plant not just for its ecological role but also for ornamental and functional uses in landscaping. The tree’s glossy, dark green leaves, which have an acutely pointed shape, contribute to its name and distinguish it from other oak species.
The Japanese evergreen oak thrives in well-drained soils and favors locations with moderate to ample moisture. It is tolerant of various soil types but tends to flourish in mildly acidic to neutral pH levels. Due to its hardy nature and evergreen qualities, it is an excellent choice for creating windbreaks, privacy screens, or sustaining ecological balance in woodland gardens.
Its presence in both rural and urban settings throughout its native regions signifies not only its environmental importance but also its cultural and economic value. Whether admired in natural forested areas or cultivated within gardens, Quercus acuta stands as a testament to the rich biodiversity and robust flora of East Asia.
Common Names
En: Japanese Evergreen Oak, Japanese Red Oak
Ar: سنديان مدبب
Zh: 日本常綠橡樹
Fi: Peitsitammi
Ka: Იაპონური მარადმწვანე მუხა
Ko: 붉가시나무
Fa: بلوط همیشهسبز ژاپنی
Pl: Dąb japoński
Zh-tw: 日本常綠橡樹
Synonyms
- Quercus kasaimok (H.Lév. ex Nakai)
- Quercus pseudoglauca (H.Lév. ex Nakai)
- Cyclobalanopsis buergeri ((Blume) Oerst.)
- Quercus kasaiensis (H.Lév. ex Rehder)
- Cyclobalanopsis marginata ((Blume) Oerst.)
- Cyclobalanopsis acuta var. acutiformis ((Nakai) Kudô & Masam.)
- Cyclobalanopsis laevigata ((Blume) Oerst.)
- Cyclobalanopsis acuta var. yanagidae ((Makino) Kudô & Masam.)
- Quercus quelpaertensis (H.Lév. ex Nakai)
- Cyclobalanopsis acutiformis f. yanagidae ((Makino) Honda)
- Quercus buergeri (Blume)
- Cyclobalanopsis acuta f. albivena (Nakai)
- Cyclobalanopsis acuta f. rosivena (Nakai)
- Cyclobalanopsis acuta f. megaphylla ((Hayashi) Sugim.)
- Quercus marginata (Blume)
- Quercus acuta f. lanceolata (Hatus.)
- Cyclobalanopsis acuta var. megaphylla (Hayashi)
- Cyclobalanopsis acuta ((Thunb.) Oerst.)
- Quercus acuta var. yanagidae (Makino)
- Quercus acuta var. acutiformis (Nakai)
- Quercus acuta f. acutiformis ((Nakai) H.Ohashi)
- Cyclobalanopsis acutiformis ((Nakai) Nakai)
- Quercus carpostachys (H.Lév. & Vaniot)
- Quercus laevigata (Blume)
Distribution
- China Southeast (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Taiwan (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)
© 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/2876863)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:927476-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus acuta Thunb.)
