Holm oak - Quercus ilex

Mixed <strong>oak forests</strong> with beech tend to occupy all the <strong>temperate regions</strong> when human intervention is absent. This is referred to as <strong>climax</strong>, which denotes a state of equilibrium between the soil and vegetation. Thus, a clearing or a burned area tends to become an oak forest after various stages of recolonisation of the medium. The oak possesses an aura that may stem from this fact but also from its <strong>legendary longevity</strong> and its presence. It symbolises <strong>strength</strong>, wisdom, <strong>majesty</strong>, and endurance, and was the subject of pagan cults; Saint Louis rendered justice under a centuries-old oak... [caption id="attachment_52878" align="alignnone" width="1172"]<img class="size-full wp-image-52878" src="https://www.promessedefleurs.com/blogwp/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Chêne-glands.jpg" alt="Acorn, Quercus" width="1172" height="780" /> The acorns, fruits of the <a href="https://en.promessedefleurs.eu/shrubs/shrubs-by-variety/oak.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oak</a>[/caption] The genus <em>Quercus</em>, which is the <strong>scientific name of the <a href="https://en.promessedefleurs.eu/shrubs/shrubs-by-variety/oak.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">oak</a></strong>, includes over 400 species that, like beech and chestnut, belong to the family Fagaceae. These are trees or bushes that are highly <strong>polymorphous</strong> with <strong>deciduous or evergreen leaves</strong>, exhibiting very variable shapes and sizes. The kermes oak (<em>Quercus coccifera</em>), about 1 m tall, has spiny and leathery leaves less than 1 cm long, while <em>Q. dentata</em> produces <strong>lobed leaves</strong> that can sometimes exceed 30 cm in length. The oak, so common in our forests, is ultimately quite underused in park and garden landscaping given the extraordinary <strong>diversity</strong> that exists within the genus. Their large size, which is not well-suited to urban gardens, their relatively slow growth, their discreet flowering, and especially the lack of awareness of their diversity likely contribute to the little interest they receive. The <strong>acorns of oaks</strong> constituted the staple food for many tribes who lived primarily by foraging, both in Europe and America, and even in France during times of famine. The "racahout of the Arabs" is a powder for children that was sold in France until the early 20th century.