Family: Fagaceae
Author: Decne.
Bibliography: Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot., sér. 2, 4: 348 (1835)
Year: 1835
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Quercus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Italy to E. Medit.
Description
The Valonia oak, scientifically known as Quercus ithaburensis, is a distinguished species within the Fagaceae family. This stately tree has been documented and described since 1835 in the Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botany, series 2, volume 4, page 348, by the botanist Decne.
Indigenous to Southeastern Italy and extending across the Eastern Mediterranean region, the Valonia oak flourishes in these locales, thriving under the specific climatic conditions they offer. It is well-adapted to the relatively warm and dry Mediterranean climate, which significantly influences its growth patterns and health.
This oak species is recognized for its robust structure and the distinctive characteristics of its leaves and acorns. The Valonia oak develops a broad, spreading crown that casts ample shade, providing a habitat for various wildlife. Its leaves are usually large and lobed, contributing to its unmistakable appearance.
The acorns of Quercus ithaburensis play a crucial ecological role. They serve as a vital food source for many animals, including birds, rodents, and larger mammals, and they also contribute to the reproductive cycle of the tree. The acorns typically mature in the autumn, aligning with the seasonal rhythms of the Mediterranean biome.
In addition to its ecological value, the Valonia oak has cultural and economic significance in its native range. Its wood is prized for its durability and strength, making it a sought-after material for various construction purposes. Moreover, historical uses of its bark and acorns have included tanning leather, thanks to the high tannin content they possess.
Throughout its range, the Valonia oak is often found in mixed woodland environments, sharing its habitat with other Mediterranean vegetation. When it comes to conservation, it is crucial to monitor the health and stability of these woodlands to ensure the ongoing survival of this magnificent tree species.
In summary, Quercus ithaburensis, or the Valonia oak, is a prominent and ecologically important member of the Fagaceae family, enriching the Mediterranean landscapes with its presence and providing various ecological, economic, and cultural benefits.
Common Names
Eng: valonia oak, tabor oak, vallonea oak
Lat: aegilops oak
Tur: palamut mesesi
Ara: بلوط رومي
En: Valonia Oak, Tabor Oak, Vallonea Oak
Ar: سنديان طابوري نويع كبير الحراشف, بلوط رومي
Fi: Vallonitammi
He: אלון התבור
La: Aegilops Oak
Pl: Dąb tabor
Tr: Anadolu palamut meşesi, Palamut Mesesi
: Tabor oak
Synonyms
- Quercus aegilops var. ithaburensis ((Decne.) Boiss.)
- Quercus aegilops subsp. ithaburensis ((Decne.) Eig)
- Quercus macrolepis subsp. ithaburensis ((Decne.) Browicz)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kriti (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 6, 2022 by Barcos Herrer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Isolde Stuffer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2020 by Meir Schreiber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2022 by George Tentes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2021 by kazakeviAV (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 Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Bark
Taken May 17, 2022 by Bizniss Joosmoques (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2022 by pergamonto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2022 by drainisio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Amir Ben Cohen (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 14, 2022 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2022 by George Tentes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2021 by guler ugur (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2021 by guler ugur (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Yücel Kavlak (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2878323)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:296316-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Quercus ithaburensis Decne.)
