Prefers Mediterranean climates with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Thrives at moderate altitudes.
Holm oak
Quercus ilex, commonly known as holm oak or holly oak, is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. It can grow up to 25 meters in height and has a dense, symmetrical crown. This tree is highly adaptable, tolerating drought, heat, and cold temperatures. Its acorns are a popular food for pigs and are also consumed by humans, making it a valuable species for both wildlife and culinary purposes.
Quercus ilex
Spain
Other Information: - The holm oak is highly valued for its timber, which is used in construction, furniture making, and as firewood. - It is known for its ability to withstand strong winds and coastal conditions. - The leaves of the holm oak are leathery and dark green, providing year-round interest in the landscape. - This species is often used for hedging and as a windbreak due to its dense foliage. - The holm oak is a popular choice for landscaping in Mediterranean and coastal regions. - It has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including treating respiratory ailments and digestive disorders.
- Tolerant of limestone subsoils
An erect and symmetrical evergreen tree from the Mediterranean region, where it often grows as a companion to Quercus suber, In adverse conditions it remains a shrub, but can attain heights of up to 25 m and can grow as wide as it is high with a broad, oval dense crown. It has a short trunk which may reach or exceed 3 m in girth. It is very tolerant of drought once established and is tolerant of heat, and cold (to about - 12°C). It will grow well even in limestone subsoils and will propagate from acorns or from root suckers.
The acorns are a favourite food of pigs, giving their meat a special flavour. It is considered the best European acorn for human consumption and also the source of an edible oil. Like many of the oaks, it is an alternate bearer, each tree bearing a heavy crop one year, then a lesser load the following year. By planting a grove of these trees the annual yield is fairly constant. One Portuguese tree yielded 1200 litres of acorns in a good season. Every other year it only pro-duced about 240 litres.