Holm oak leaves, hojas de encina

Description:

Young leaves of Holm oak. Quercus ilex is a medium-size tree. The leaves are dark green above and pale whitish-grey with dense short hairs below. The leaf shape is variable, the adult leaves are entire, 4–8 cm long and 1–3 cm broad, while those on the lower branches of young trees are often larger (to 10 cm long), and are toothed or somewhat spiny - possibly as protection from grazing animals. The flowers are catkins, produced in the spring; the fruit is an acorn, which matures in about six months.

Habitat:

Mediterranean region.