Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis

For other uses, see Valonia (disambiguation) and Camata (disambiguation).

Valonia oak
Example of Q. macrolepis at Tricase, Lecce
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fagales
Family:	Fagaceae
Genus:	Quercus
Section:	Cerris
Species:	Q. macrolepis
Binomial name
Quercus macrolepis Kotschy
Synonyms
Quercus ithaburensis Quercus aegilops

Quercus macrolepis, the Valonia oak, is a tree in the family Fagaceae. It used to be considered a subspecies of Quercus ithaburensis or a hybrid of Quercus libani. It appears to be closely related to Quercus brantii but with cupscales less curved and the cup covering almost all the fruit with sunken apex and shorter petiole.It can withstand strong winds, but will not thrive in wet environments.

Geographical range

It is found in the Balkans, and in the southern and eastern Mediterranean, including the Greek Islands, Turkey, Israel, and Morocco.

Uses

Quercus ithaburensis ssp. macrolepis

The cups, known as valonea, are used for tanning and dyeing as are the unripe acorns called camata or camatina. The ripe acorns are eaten raw or boiled.Any Galls on the tree can be used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, and hemorrhage due to its astringency. Leaves can repel slugs, grubs, etc. The acorn cups can be turned into a black dye.

Plant Needs

Is resistant to lime, shade, steep inclines, moderate exposure, and honey fungus. The tree cannot withstand root disturbances. Does best during a warm Summer and prefers a fertile loam. It will take two years to ripen.

Reproduction

Seeds must stay moist. Seeds can be planted in deep pots, but they must be moved to a permanent location while they are young. Typically, they must be transplanted before two growing seasons expire.

See also

• Valoneic acid