The kermes oak (Quercus coccifera subsp. coccifera) is the shrub that closely relates to the holm oak. It distinguishes by its smaller, sharp, brightly coloured leaves on both sides. The male flower catkins (photo 1) reach 5 cm in length. The maturation of the kermes oak acorns lasts 1 or 2 years. These acorns have a large, scaly dome; they can’t be eaten as the holm oak acorns because they taste bitter.
The kermes oak can withstand summer drought. It can live on dry, sunny slopes and in rocky areas, and also it can survive in the shade below pines or holm oaks. After a forest fire or clearing, the kermes oak will quickly sprout numerous shoots. The recurrence of the forest fires that eliminate pines can favour the kermes oak.
[photos Marta Queralt López Salvans (1st), Florenci Vallès (2nd) and Jordi Badia (3rd and 4th)]
- See the article Convergència, in Catalan, by Jordi Badia.