Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel.
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. is a hybrid evergreen plant species born from the crossbreeding between Quercus suber and Quercus canariensis. The plant has earned its name because of the unique characteristics that are believed to be reminiscent of the prehistoric oak plants' physicality. The plant is a part of the Fagaceae family and is commonly found in specific geographical locations worldwide.
Origin
The hybrid plant Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. is believed to originate from the Canary Islands. The evergreen plant can also be found in certain regions in Portugal's southern parts, which served as a gateway to its spread to other parts of the world. The plant is now commonly found in parts of the United States, Southern Europe, and parts of Africa.
Common names
The plant has several common names, including Ilex-leaved Cork Oak, Canarian cork oak, and simply the Cork Oak. Locally, the plant is known as Alcornoque Canario in Spanish, Azinheiro-bastardo in Portuguese. In Berber dialect, the plant is called Azeggour n bousgour.
Uses
The evergreen plant is primarily used for its cork, which is a crucial raw material in the cork industry. The Cork Oak is the only species of tree with the ability to regrow its bark every nine years, providing sustainability and affordability in the cork industry. The oak's acorns are also a vital source of food for several species of birds and herbivores, and the wood from the tree is highly prized in furniture production.
General appearance
The Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. plant is a slow-growing tree capable of reaching heights of up to 25 meters. The tree's bark is thick, corky, and deeply grooved, with narrow leaves that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface. The acorns borne by the tree are large, and the kernel is edible, with a bitter taste. The plant's unique characteristics have made it not only useful but also an excellent ornamental plant around the world with high aesthetic value.
Growth Conditions for Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel.
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. is a hybrid tree with specific growth requirements.
Light Requirements
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and weak branches.
Temperature Requirements
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. prefers temperate to warm climates with consistent temperatures. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -20 to 35°C (4 to 95°F), but extreme cold or heat can hinder growth and lead to damage.
Soil Requirements
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sand, gravel, and clay, but it requires adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Organic matter can improve soil quality and support healthy growth.
Overall, Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. requires a balance of light, temperature, and soil conditions for optimal growth. Providing these conditions can ensure a healthy and attractive tree.
Cultivation methods
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. is a hybrid oak tree that is relatively easy to grow. The plant thrives in areas with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. It is relatively heat-tolerant and can grow in all types of soil with a pH level of 5.0 to 7.5. The plant grows well in zones 7 to 9.
Watering needs
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. does not have high water needs and can tolerate drought once established. However, the plant requires regular watering during the first growing season to promote healthy growth. When irrigating the plant, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires annual fertilizer applications to support healthy growth. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer during the tree's active growing season. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the base of the tree, and water it in well. Avoid fertilizing Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. during the winter months when the tree is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. However, you can prune the tree to promote vigorous growth, shape it, or remove any damaged or diseased branches. It is advisable to prune the plant during the dormant season to avoid interrupting its growth cycle. When pruning, ensure that you use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel.
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. is a hybrid oak tree that is propagated using both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. can be propagated sexually by using acorns. Acorns should be collected when they are fully ripe and fall naturally from the tree. The collected acorns should be planted immediately in well-draining soil. Before planting, the acorns should be soaked in water for 12 to 24 hours to ensure that they are fully hydrated. Acorns should be planted 1-2 inches deep in the soil and spaced 8-10 inches apart. The planted acorns should be protected from rodents and other animals that may eat them.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. can be done using various methods such as grafting, budding, and air layering. Grafting is the most common method for propagating oak trees. It involves attaching a scion from a desired variety onto a rootstock of a closely related oak species. Budding is a similar method to grafting, but only a single bud from a scion is attached to the rootstock.
Air layering is a technique that involves cutting a ring of bark from the branch of a mature tree. Following this, hormones are applied to the area, and covered with moist sphagnum. After rooting, the branch is cut from the parent plant and planted in soil as a new tree.
Overall, Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. is a versatile tree that can be propagated through various methods.
Disease Management for Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel.
Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel., commonly known as San Marcos oak, has robust resistance to many pests and diseases. However, some potential diseases might affect the plant.
One such disease is "oak wilt," caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum. The disease blocks the water-conducting vessels of the tree, causing the plant's death. To manage oak wilt, the affected plant needs to be removed right away to prevent the fungus from spreading into the soil and infecting other oak trees in the area.
"Anthracnose" is another common disease that affects the leaves and twigs of San Marcos oak. This disease is caused by the fungus Apiognomonia quercina, which can kill the entire tree if left untreated. Pruning infected leaves and twigs and disposing of them away from the healthy trees' reach can prevent the spread of anthracnose.
Pest Management for Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel.
Despite being resistant to many pests, some common pests can affect the growth of Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel.
"Acorn weevils" are one of the most prevalent pests that can affect the tree's acorns by boring holes into their shells, killing them. You can control the spread of these pests by handpicking and disposing of infected acorns, storing them in a sealed container to prevent insects' entry.
The "oak moth" can also be a potential pest that feeds on San Marcos oak leaves. The caterpillars of the moth eat through the leaves, leading to defoliation. To prevent these pests from affecting the plant, you can spray insecticides and pesticides regularly to kill the caterpillars at an early stage.
Regular monitoring and care are essential for the overall growth and development of the Quercus ×palaeolithicola Trel. tree. With healthy care and management, they can resist most diseases and pests and enhance their lifespan and beauty in any garden or landscape.
