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Holm oak (Quercus ilex)
Photo: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

On the map in 2 countries tree

Holm oak

Quercus ilex

Family: Fagaceae

On our map this plant appears in 2 countries and ranks highest in: Spain, Vatican City.

An evergreen oak with a broad, dense crown and leathery leaves, dark green above and greyish and felted beneath; young leaves are often spiny-toothed like holly. It tolerates drought and frost well and grows from the coast up into the mountains. It forms woods and scrub, and where thinned out by people – dehesas, pastures dotted with scattered trees. Its sweetish acorns are valuable fodder, and its wood makes excellent charcoal.

Description from: Spain.

More: Wikipedia (en) Wikipedia (pl) Plants of the World Online (Kew)

Significance in each country

  1. Spain no. 3 of 10 native

    The holm oak is the most important tree of central and western Spain; the dehesas of Extremadura and Andalusia, where Iberian pigs are fattened on acorns (the montanera), are a symbol of traditional, sustainable farming.

  2. Vatican City no. 3 of 5 native

    In the Vatican Gardens holm oaks form a grove known as the “bosco” and green hedges along the paths; they provide shade and a refuge for birds in the very heart of Rome.