Evergreen Mediterranean oak, Quercus ilex
A sombra verde has posted some photos of a beautiful Holm Oak that grows in Southern Portugal. Holm oak is an evergreen oak that is native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe. Holm Oak has also naturalized in southern Great Britain.
The photos of that Portuguese Holm oak's evergreen leaves and immense spread remind me of the live oaks of the American South, also evergreen. A spectacular example is the Angel Oak of coastal South Carolina. You can also see some nice images of beautiful live oaks at forestry.about.com.
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"The power to recognize trees at a glance without examining their leaves or flowers or fruit as they are seen, for example, from the car-window during a railroad journey, can only be acquired by studying them as they grow under all possible conditions over wide areas of territory. Such an attainment may not have much practical value, but once acquired it gives to the possessor a good deal of pleasure which is denied to less fortunate travelers."
2 comments -- please add yours:
Genevieve,
Thank you so much for the reference to my weblog.
A couple of years ago I visited Ireland and discovered how much they appreciate the holm oak as an ornamental tree. It is also very curious to see that in California grows a similar tree.
All the best,
Pedro
In my opinion, oaks are some of the world's most beautiful trees. They are definitely my favorite.
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