Valonia Oak

Quercus ithaburensis macrolepis

Physical Characteristics

Quercus ithaburensis macrolepis is a deciduous Tree growing to 15 m (49ft) by 13 m (42ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

S.E. Europe to W. Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Manna Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Seed - raw or cooked[2, 63, 89, 100]. The seed is quite big, about 4cm x 3cm[200] and is very low in tannin[183]. Any bitter seeds can be leached by thoroughly washing the seed in running water though many minerals will also be lost. Either the whole seed can be used or the seed can be dried and ground it into a powder. It can take several days or even weeks to properly leach whole seeds, one method was to wrap them in a cloth bag and place them in a stream. Leaching the powder is quicker. A simple taste test can tell when the tannin has been leached. The traditional method of preparing the seed was to bury it in boggy ground overwinter. The germinating seed was dug up in the spring when it would have lost most of its astringency. Roasted seed is a coffee substitute. A manna is obtained from the tree[183]. No further details.

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Dysentery Any galls produced on the tree are strongly astringent and can be used in the treatment of haemorrhages, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery etc[4].

Known Hazards

None known