Holm Oak (Quercus ilex)
Scientific Name: Quercus ilex, commonly called the Holm Oak.
Native Home: The Mediterranean region, especially Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and North Africa.
Height: Can grow up to 80–100 feet (25–30 meters) tall.
Lifespan: Can live for several hundred years, with some reaching over 1,000 years.
Uses and Harvesting
Acorns: Produces acorns that provide food for wildlife and can also be used as animal feed.
Harvesting: Acorns are usually collected from the ground after naturally falling from the tree.
Age to Harvest: Can begin producing acorns after around 15–20 years.
Products: Used for firewood, charcoal, animal feed, timber, and traditional products.
History and Global Production
Traditional Use: Mediterranean communities have used Holm Oak wood for fuel, construction, and tools for centuries.
Global Spread: Mainly remains cultivated across the Mediterranean region, where it is valued for its drought resistance and hardy wood.
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