Leather oak (Quercus durata, Fl. Calif. 1: 356 (1909))

Family: Fagaceae

Author: Jeps.

Bibliography: Fl. Calif. 1: 356 (1909)

Year: 1909

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Quercus

Vegetable: False

Observations: California

Description

Leather oak, scientifically known as Quercus durata, is a notable species within the Fagaceae family. This resilient oak is native to California, where it garners significant attention for its unique characteristics and ecological contributions.

Leather oak is a shrub-like plant that often grows in serpentine soils, which are known for their challenging growing conditions due to low levels of essential nutrients and high levels of toxic metals. Despite these harsh conditions, Leather oak thrives, showcasing its adaptability and resilience.

The plant’s foliage is characterized by its tough, leathery leaves, which lend the species its common name. These leaves are typically small, dark green, and have a glossy appearance. They are also thick and somewhat spiny, providing an effective defense against herbivores.

Quercus durata plays a crucial role in its native ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including insects, birds, and small mammals. The acorns produced by Leather oak are a significant food source for these animals, especially during the fall and winter months.

Leather oak’s ability to thrive in serpentine soils also contributes to soil stabilization and the prevention of erosion in these fragile environments. Furthermore, its presence can influence the soil composition, potentially facilitating the growth of other native plant species.

Botanical literature first detailed Leather oak in the Flora of California in 1909, under the authorship of Jepson (indicated as Jeps.). Since then, it has been the subject of various studies focusing on its ecological significance, adaptability, and interaction with its environment.

In summary, Leather oak is an exemplary species within the diverse flora of California. Its adaptability to challenging growing conditions, ecological importance, and distinctive characteristics make it a fascinating subject for botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: leather oak
En: Leather oak
Ka: Ტყავის მუხა
Fa: کوئرکس دوراتا

Synonyms

• Quercus dumosa subsp. durata ((Jeps.) A.Camus)

Distribution

• California (native)

Additional Images

Other

Taken May 1, 2020 by Clodh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by Clodh (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 10, 2014 by EOL − saraha (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 22, 2013 by EOL − edward_rooks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 22, 2013 by EOL − edward_rooks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 7, 2013 by EOL − icosahedron (cc-by)

Taken Sep 22, 2005 by EOL − J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 2, 2021 by Guy MOLL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2006 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 27, 2014 by EOL − c michael hogan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 1, 2020 by Clodh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by López R. (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.

Habit

Taken May 20, 2013 by EOL − Liam O’Brien (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 11, 2014 by EOL − James Maughn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 22, 2013 by EOL − edward_rooks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 7, 2013 by EOL − icosahedron (cc-by)

Taken May 11, 2014 by EOL − Amber Hasselbring (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Aug 27, 2012 by EOL − bob-dodge (cc-by)

Taken Aug 31, 2005 by EOL − J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2879923)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:215797-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus durata Jeps.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree

Growth