The Holm Oak
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| The Holm Oak |
Holm Oak (quercus ilex) This is a large tree which can reach up to 28m (80ft) when fully mature. Depending on the growing conditions, the Holm Oak is normally as wide as it is high.
Another variable feature of the leaves is that those lower down the tree are often spiny whereas higher leaves have smooth edges as in the picture above. One theory is that the lower spiny leaves will protect them from being eaten by animals.
When the leaves are young, they have a "downy" appearance which matures to a glossy
green as the leaves age. The flowers appear as catkins in April time which mature
into stubby acorns in October.
The uses for this tree are extensive. Most interesting perhaps, is that the roots of
the Holm Oak are an ideal home for truffles. Holm oak trees, along with others are
planted as hosts for truffles when they are cultivated.
The acorns are used to feed pigs in Spain to produce Jamon Iberico and
serrano ham. The wood is very tough and durable and is used in carpentry where a
strong wood is required, notably wine casks. It's also used in some parts of the
world to produce charcoal and as firewood.
The tree is attractive as a specimen tree with its wide traditional shape and dense
foliage. It can be cut (pollarded) to form a dense hedge which is often used as a
windbreak in coastal areas.
Other pictures of the Holm Oak from different locations are shown below:
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