Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera)

Pictures

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  Appearance

  The Kermes Oak is an evergreen shrub or tree with thorny leaves. It is the host plant of the Coccus ilicis Planch whose dried females are used to produce a purple dye (Kermes (Arabic) = carmine, crimson).

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  Leaves

  Evergreen, elliptic or ovate leaves, dark green above. Length: 1.5 to 4 cm. The leaves have spiny tips and sides.

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  Leaf upperside

  Evergreen, elliptic or ovate leaves, dark green above. Length: 1.5 to 4 cm. The leaves have spiny tips and sides.

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  Leaf underside

  Evergreen, elliptic or ovate leaves, dark green above. Length: 1.5 to 4 cm. The leaves have spiny tips and sides.

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  Fruits

  2 to 3 cm long acorns. Cups with protruding, short, thorny scales.

Application

Garrigue, macchia vegetation, open country, afforestation, bird protection, public areas, urban areas, pedestrian precincts, container plants, private gardens, front gardens

Native regions

Mediterranean regions, Turkey, Caucasus

Location parameters

Light: sunny to off-sun; soil structure: normal to airy.

Demands

Does not tolerate stagnant moisture and compaction.

Hardiness

down to -20 C°

Growth

Height of growth: 1 - 3 m. Often shrubby. Usually very dense growth.

Leaves

Evergreen, elliptic or ovate leaves, dark green above. Length: 1.5 to 4 cm. The leaves have spiny tips and sides.

Flowers

Flowering period: I-VV. Inconspicuous green flowers.

Fruits

2 to 3 cm long acorns. Cups with protruding, short, thorny scales.

Bark

Mid-grey bark, with scaly segmentation on older trees. Branches are yellowish-brown with hairs.