MGF Vivai

Quercus ilex Espalier on tall trunkOrigin: Mediterranean regions. A typical feature of the Mediterranean maquis, the holly oak is a large evergreen tree with a mighty trunk (which can reach 1m in diameter, sometimes 2m), a broad, spreading, globular, very dense crown which the sun cannot penetrate. The bark remains smooth and grey for a long time and then in older trees it becomes brownish-grey and divided into quadrangular or polygonal scales. Leaves: borne on short stalks, 2-9cm long, from 1-3cm wide, strongly polymorphic; usually the younger upper leaves are wider and have toothed and sharp margins. The older, lower leaves are longer and have entire margins. The colour and texture also vary; tender, pale green and hairy on both sides when they appear and then when adult they become leathery, dark green on the upper side and covered in soft white woolly hairs on the underside. Flowers: both the male and female flowers are borne on catkins and appear in June; the first ones are the most decorative as they are soft yellow. Fruit: pale green acorns enclosed for two thirds in squamous cups. The holly oak has a root system with a long, strong tap-root which means that it is never easy to transplant; it should be transplanted in the late spring and the crown must be made much lighter. It is best to use well-established container-grown plants. A very long living tree that often lives for more than a thousand years. Grows in poor soil, but prefers calcareous, and does not like clay. Withstands lack of water in hot, dry summers. Tolerates any kind of pruning, even the most drastic, and when trained into a bush it is often used to form high hedges and wind-breaks especially near the sea because salt laden winds do not spoil the beautiful foliage.