46)+Holly+Oak

=Holly Oak =

//Genus species// //Quercus ilex//

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 * [[image:holly_oak.jpg width="263" height="222"]] || [[image:q15.jpg width="237" height="225"]] ||
 * [[image:holm-oak-tree.jpg width="261" height="234"]] || [[image:449px-Ostrya_carpinifolia_in_Italy_male_catkins.jpg width="216" height="210"]] ||

Classification:
Holly Oak //Quercus ilex// Dicot Monoecious Angiosperm

**Family Characteristics: **
Fagaceae-
 * Alternate, simple leaves with stipules
 * Family consists of trees and shrubs
 * Fruit/Seed: Acorns are small, pointed and are enclosed in a cup. The nut is edible.

The Fagaceae is a family that consists of evergreen, deciduous trees. The trees themselves are fairly large and consist of a small, edible fruit called an acorn which is found in a capsule attached to the tree. The flowers on these trees are unisexual and are found in the form of catkins which typically self-pollinate. The Bark on the Holly Oak is gray as well as smooth.

**Size : **

Height- 20 to 60 ft Width- 20 to 50 ft

Holly Oak trees grow at a moderate rate.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Identifying features:

 * <span style="color: #800000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Holly Oak: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">__ Leaves __
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Simple, alternating leaves
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">One side of leaf is glossy and darker green
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Reverse side is dull and a lighter green
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The leaves seem thick and sturdy
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">__Bark__
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Bark is a dark, gray color
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Smooth and slightly textured

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">The Holly Oak Tree is of medium size and seems as if it has been growing for at least a couple of years. The Leaves on the tree are very thick and seem so colorful they almost look animated. The bark has a very smooth feel, although slightly textured at the touch. The colors on the tree contrast beautifully so that the tree stands out nicely on the Da Vinci campus. Although, seldom recognized, once being in the presence of the Holly Oak tree, one can realize and appreciate the sheer majestic and calming nature of the //Quercus ilex.//

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Location/Habitat:
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Holly Oak Trees are native the the Mediterranean region, however in America they can be expected to be seen in the eastern and southern parts of the country. They live in areas that are typically warmer because they can tolerate the heat, but don't do well in colder temperatures. These oaks grow in a wide variety of soil types, some being acidic to slightly alkaline, salt, and drought. However, pests do inhabit the //Quercus ilex//, some including Oak moths and scales.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Water/Sun Requirements:
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Holly Oaks thrive in full sunlight. They require little water to maintain a full and healthy life.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Reproduction:
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Holly Oak acorns are produced between September and October, and are a very important food source for wildlife. They can grow up to four centimeters in length. This tree is also monecious, meaning that it is a flowering tree. Flowers on the Holly Oak are found in the form of catkins. Catkins are flower clusters that have little or no petals. They are unisexual and typically wind-pollinate.

<span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Special Adaptations:
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">As said before, Holly Oaks are specially adapted to the heat to withstand warmer temperatures.

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Created by: Catia R.