Valonia Oak (Quercus ithaburensis)

Valonia Oak (Quercus ithaburensis), is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern Mediterranean region, particularly found in Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. It can grow up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with a broad, rounded crown. The tree is known for its large acorns and the cupule (the cap of the acorn), which is used commercially for tanning leather. The bark is thick and deeply fissured, providing a rugged appearance.

The leaves of Valonia Oak are leathery, dark green, and lobed, measuring 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) long. They remain on the tree for most of the year, only shedding in winter. The tree produces both male and female flowers, which are small and inconspicuous. After pollination, the tree produces large acorns that are up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, with the cupule covering a significant portion of the acorn.

Valonia Oak thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate rocky and calcareous substrates. It prefers full sun and is often found in open woodlands, hillsides, and rocky terrains. The tree is highly drought-resistant, making it well-suited to the hot, dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate. Its deep roots allow it to access water from deep underground, further enhancing its resilience in arid environments.

Ecologically, Valonia Oak plays a vital role in its habitat. Its acorns provide food for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. The tree also offers shelter and nesting sites for various animals. Historically, the oak’s acorn cups, known as “valonia,” have been used in the leather tanning industry. Today, Valonia Oak is valued for both its ecological contributions and its economic uses, including wood for fuel and construction.

Taxonomic Classification Table for Valonia Oak

Category	Details
Kingdom	Plantae
Clade	Angiosperms
Clade	Eudicots
Order	Fagales
Family	Fagaceae
Genus	Quercus
Scientific Name	Quercus ithaburensis

Quick Information

Category	Details
Plant Type	Deciduous tree
Identification	Height: Typically up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall Leaves: Leathery, lobed, dark green, 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) long Stem: Thick, deeply fissured bark Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, male and female on the same tree Roots: Deep root system Growth Habit: Broad, rounded crown Crown: Dense and rounded
Distribution	Native to the eastern Mediterranean region, particularly Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East
Habitat	Grows in well-drained, rocky, and calcareous soils, often found in open woodlands, hillsides, and rocky terrains
USDA Hardiness Zone	7 through 9
Growth Rate	Moderate; typically grows about 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) per year
Lifespan	Long-lived; can live for several hundred years
Growing Conditions	Sunlight: Full sun Soil: Well-drained, prefers rocky or calcareous soils Water: Highly drought-resistant, minimal watering
Drought Tolerance	High; well-suited to dry Mediterranean climates
Diseases	Susceptible to oak wilt and powdery mildew
Pests	Common pests include oak processionary moth caterpillars and bark beetles
Reproductive System	Monoecious; produces both male and female flowers
Propagation	Through seeds (acorns)
Wildlife Value	Provides food (acorns) and habitat for various wildlife species, including birds and mammals
Uses	Timber for construction, firewood, acorn cups (valonia) for leather tanning, reforestation, and land reclamation projects
IUCN Conservation Status	Not currently listed as threatened; widely distributed in its native range