Quercus coccifera, commonly known as the Kermes oak, is a small evergreen oak native to the Mediterranean region, including Mount Hermon, where it thrives in rocky, high-altitude environments. It is well adapted to dry, calcareous soils and is a key component of the region’s maquis and garrigue ecosystems.
Key Characteristics:
Size & Growth: Usually a shrub or a small tree, but under ideal conditions, it can grow up to 20 meters in height with a trunk over one meter in diameter. However, due to poor soils, grazing, and deforestation, it is often restricted to a low shrub or small tree.
Leaves: Evergreen, leathery, highly polymorphic, typically 2 to 7 cm long, with serrated or spiny margins, resembling holly leaves.
Bark & Twigs: The bark is dark brown to blackish, densely fissured, and the twigs and buds are villous (covered in fine hairs).
Flowers & Fruits:
Flowers: It produces catkins, which are small, unremarkable, and numerous.
Acorns: The fruits mature biennially and show significant variability in cupule size and scale protrusion. The cupule can cover the entire acorn, half of it, or just a third.
Presence in Mount Hermon:
Thrives in the mountainous regions of Mount Hermon, growing in dry, rocky, and calcareous soils at high altitudes.
Often found in mixed oak woodlands, forming part of the natural Mediterranean vegetation alongside other endemic species.
Plays an important ecological role in preventing soil erosion and supporting wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
Despite its resilience, habitat degradation due to grazing, deforestation, and climate change poses challenges to its long-term survival in the region.
Uses & Importance:
Traditional Uses: The name “coccifera” refers to the Kermes insect (Kermes vermilio), which was historically used to produce red dye.
Ecological Value: Provides shelter and food for various animals.
Ornamental & Reforestation: Occasionally used in landscaping and reforestation in dry Mediterranean areas.
