Source: bing.comContents
Description
Quercus Lusitanica, commonly known as the Portuguese Oak, is a deciduous tree native to Portugal and Spain. It belongs to the Fagaceae family and can grow up to 30 meters tall. The tree has a rounded crown and a straight trunk, which can reach a diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is smooth and grey, becoming rough and fissured with age. The leaves are oval-shaped, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a paler underside. They measure up to 12 centimeters long and 6 centimeters wide. The tree produces acorns, which are 2 to 3 centimeters long and have a cup-shaped cap that covers the top third of the nut.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Fagaceae |
| Genus | Quercus |
Appearance
The Portuguese Oak is a medium-sized tree with a rounded crown and a straight trunk. Its leaves are oval-shaped, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a paler underside. The tree produces acorns, which are 2 to 3 centimeters long and have a cup-shaped cap that covers the top third of the nut. The bark is smooth and grey, becoming rough and fissured with age.
Care Guide
The Portuguese Oak prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate drought but requires regular watering during the first few years of growth. Fertilize the tree in early spring or late fall with a slow-release fertilizer. Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds. The tree is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Portuguese Oak is generally free of major pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to oak wilt, a fungal disease that causes the tree to wilt and die. To prevent oak wilt, avoid pruning the tree during the growing season and sterilize pruning tools between cuts. The tree can also be attacked by oak lace bugs, which feed on the leaves and cause them to turn yellow and fall off. Treat oak lace bugs with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Portuguese Oak is native to Portugal and Spain, where it grows in open woodlands, scrublands, and rocky hillsides. It is also cultivated as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens around the world.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the botanical name for the Portuguese Oak?
A: The botanical name for the Portuguese Oak is Quercus Lusitanica.
Q: What is the tree’s preferred soil type?
A: The Portuguese Oak prefers well-drained soil.
Q: What is the tree’s hardiness zone?
A: The tree is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 10.
Q: What is oak wilt?
A: Oak wilt is a fungal disease that causes the tree to wilt and die.
Related Plants
- Quercus cerris – Turkey Oak
- Quercus robur – English Oak
- Quercus ilex – Holm Oak
- Quercus suber – Cork Oak
- Quercus palustris – Pin Oak
References
- “Quercus lusitanica.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed August 19, 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30000830-2.
- “Quercus lusitanica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 19, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282674.
- “Portuguese Oak.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 19, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/34678/Quercus-lusitanica/Details.
