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Trees- ShrubsKermes Oak (Quercus coccifera)
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Quercus coccifera, the Kermes Oak, belongs within the Fagaceae Family. It can often be mistaken for a closely related species, Q. ilex, and in some areas they even share the same common name; Holly Oak. Q. coccifera can be found as either a shrub or a small tree which is able to reach heights of six meters. Its leaves are lanceolate in shape with harsh toothed edges. The male flowers form into catkins whilst the female flowers grow beneath the leaves. The acorns are held in a cup that is made up of elongated, spiky scales. Q. coccifera can create dense oak forests that are overgrazed by goats (1).
Kermes Oak is an evergreen tree. Its acorns take between 18 months and two years to mature. They come into maturity between September until November, after when they fall off the tree (2).
It can grow in altitudes above 1000 meters above sea level, but it is also found in coastal locations. Kermes Oak is a tree that is able to grow in fairly poor conditions. It does however; require sunlight and high temperatures for optimum growth.
Kermes Oak can be found in countries around Europe, including Morocco, Portugal in the west and Greece and Turkey to the east. On the Greek islands and around the Mediterranean sea it can even be found in garigue regions.
Not recorded on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (3)
Description translated by Natasa Palaiogewrgou (2009)
(1) Δρ. Γεώργιος Π. Σαρλής, Συστηματική Βοτανική, Εκδόσεις Σταμούλης.
(2) Αραμπατζής Θεόδωρος, Θάμνοι και δέντρα στην Ελλάδα ,Τόμος 1, Τ.Ε.Ι. Καβάλας.
(3) IUCN (2009) IUCN Red List of Threatened Species [online] Available:
http://www.iucnredlist.org [date accessed: 22/07/2009]
