Quercus rugosa Née (2022-09-30)Museo Erbario Sapienza
Let's start with a simple presentation
Oaks (Quercus) are a large group of shrub and tree plants. They are found across the Northern Hemisphere.
Oak's diffusion
Oaks are one of the richest genus of plants: there are 435 species. They are spread from the equator to the boreal region (below the arctic circle). The greatest number of species are to be found in Mexico and East Asia, whereas there are only 30 species in Europe.
Oak tree habitats are so various, they can be found in forests and in savannas.
Quercus alba L. (2022-09-30)Museo Erbario Sapienza
When were oaks born?
The oldest known fossil dates from around 65 million years ago. It was discovered in Salzburg.
Where were oaks born?
It's still a mystery. Recent studies suggest that oaks were born in North America.
Quercus petraea subsp. polycarpa (Schur) (2022-09-27)Museo Erbario Sapienza
Oaks perform several economic and ecological functions
Ecosystems
The oaks play a vital role in sustaining animals and plants inside ecosystems
Quercus suber L. (2022-09-27)Museo Erbario Sapienza
Water defence
Oak trees are a means of defence against hydrogeological risk thanks to their roots.
Resourceful
They are an important resource for wood and cork.
Quercus robur L. (2022-09-30)Museo Erbario Sapienza
Fruity
All species of Quercus share the same fruit: acorns!
Quercus coccifera L. (2022-09-27)Museo Erbario Sapienza
Acorns
Acorns provide food to a large number of animals. Thanks to this, oaks have spread far and wide on the northern hemisphere.
Interested in Natural history?
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