Kermes Oak, Grain tree
Quercus coccifera
Family: Fagaceae
What it is like
A low evergreen shrub. It grows 3-4 m high. The bark is grey and smooth. It becomes scaly when old. The leaves are like holly. They are shiny on both upper and lower surface. They are leathery. They are 1-4 cm long. The fruit occur singly or in pairs. It has sharp scales on the cup around the acorn. The cup is 1-3 cm across. The acorn is 1.5-3 cm long.
There are about 600 Quercus species. The cochineal insect often grows on this tree.
Where it is found
It grows in Mediterranean countries. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Temperate.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Australia, Europe, Greece, Jordan, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye
How it is used for food
The ripe nuts are roasted and eaten.
Edible parts
Seeds, acorns, nuts
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ballut, Coscoja, Kermes mesesi, Marana, Mese, Pilit, Piynar, Sidian