Quercus alnifolia #049.2003A
photographs © James MacEwen more info
Plant Accession Number:
049.2003A
Accepted Name:
Quercus alnifolia Poech
Common Name:
Golden oak of Cyprus
Accession Date:
Jun 10, 2003
Date of Planting:
2003
Garden Area:
Rockery
Recorded Heights:
| Height | Date |
|---|---|
| 0.5 Metres | May 15, 2008 |
| 0.3 Metres | Aug 15, 2009 |
| 0.3 Metres | Apr 25, 2011 |
| 0.5 Metres | Mar 16, 2012 |
Group:
section Ilex
Taxon Description:
<p>A very distinct evergreen, making a large shrub or small tree about 5-8 m tall, is only found in the Troodos mountains of Cyprus. The rigid, leathery, rounded to broadly oval leaves are up to 6 cm long. They are glossy dark green above with distinctly impressed veins and covered beneath with a golden felt, at least when young. The acorns are up to 4 cm long and widen noticeably above the base. They ripen in the first year and are borne in a short cup densely covered in bristly scales. Unusually for oaks, the acorns germinate from the base. It is a slow growing but hardy species which has a restricted distribution. This is the only golden oak species outside of the Far East where there are several species, mainly in China. Introduced to Kew in 1885. It has reached 8 m at East Bergholt Place, Suffolk.There are two specimens here. The first to be planted is in a sheltered but rather shady position east of the walled garden. It has been growing there for ten years but is still only 0.5 m tall, yet appears healthy with new growth each year. The second planting is in the rockery and set to grow slightly faster.</p>
Categories:
- Rated as Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN Red List of Oaks
- Quercus Species
Natural Range:
- Cyprus