Holm oak, Holly Oak, Evergreen oak
Quercus ilex
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
A large tree. It grows to 20-25 m tall and spreads 18-22 m wide. It has a dense rounded crown. It is evergreen. The leaves are alternate. The younger leaves are broad and spiny and older leaves are narrow and do not have teeth. The leaves are glossy and dark green but grey underneath. The male flowers are long and yellow catkins. The acorns are round and small. They can be produced singly or in clusters. They are 2/3 rds enclosed in a scaly cup. The acorns are edible.
There are about 600 Quercus species.
Where it is found
It grows in Mediterranean climates. It can tolerate salt laden winds. It can grow in poor soils. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Temperate. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Kyneton Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 7-11. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Arabia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Algeria, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Croatia, East Africa, Europe, France, Greece, India, Italy, Libya, Malta, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Myanmar, North Africa, Palestine, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, SE Asia, Slovenia, Spain, St Helena, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The acorns can be roasted and eaten or dried and ground into flour for baking. The nuts yield an edible oil.
Nuts are sold in markets.
Edible parts
Seeds, nuts
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. These should preferably be planted where they are to grow. They can also be grown from root suckers.
It produces acorns in 5-10 years.
Its other names
Local names
Ballota, Ballout, Belloot, Belote oak, Bre-chur, črničevje, Irri