Holm oak is the common name given to two different species of the genus Quercus, Quercus ilex and Quercus rotundifolia. Specimens of both species can reach up to 10 metres in height. They belong to the Fagaceae family. They have discoloured leaves, slightly spiny in adult specimens, male flowers in catkins, female flowers in panicles and ovoid fruits (acorns) covered, in part, by scales.
This species has leaf dimorphism.
fruit: Acorn
Native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa, its wood is hard and resistant to rot, and has been widely used, from ancient times to the present day, in the construction of houses (beams and pillars), boats, barrels for ageing wine and in the manufacture of tools. Even today, its wood is used as firewood and in the manufacture of charcoal, which continues to be an important source of domestic fuel in many Iberian regions.
Some authors classify Quercus rotundifolia as a subspecies of Quercus ilex.