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Quercus ilex (Fagaceae)

The largest and oldest holm oak of Etna has been growing for about 700 years in a forest among Quercus ilex, chestnuts and downy oaks. This majestic tree was included in the Italian heritage of green monuments in 1982 and is among the 150 Italian trees of exceptional historical and monumental value.

This large holm oak has a trunk circumference of 15.7 and appears split into four large main branches, forming a large globular crown, at some 8.5 ft. from the ground.
The spiralling branches are long and some even graze the volcanic soil on which the tree has developed its mighty roots. The phytosanitary conditions of the tree are good, although this beautiful specimen features an onset of rot at its main bifurcation.

This monumental holm oak is locally known as “Ilice du Pantanu” or “Ilice du Carrinu”, because one of its former owners’ name was Carlino. The spectacular holm oak is now protected by the Etna Park Authority.

How to get there:

From Caselle, a hamlet in the municipality of Milo (Catania), walk a few hundred yards to a barrier, then park your car and proceed on foot. Take the small road in the woods which leads to the foot of the tree, in about 10 minutes.

Botanical Card

In Italy, this species is most widespread in the Ionian and Tyrrhenian regions, as well as on the major islands, while on the Adriatic side it is found quite sporadically.
There are two groups of relic trees belonging to warmer periods on the Euganean Hills and around the city of Ferrara.

The northernmost point of growth of the holm oak is in the Carnic Prealps, on vertical cliffs exposed to the south.

The holm oak is an evergreen plant with leathery leaves that form a dark green crown.

The species is xerotolerant, prefers protective shading in the juvenile phase and adapts well to different types of soils but avoids clayey-compact ones with any water stagnation.

The wood is hard and difficult to process and season as it tends to warp and split. It was once used to build tools or parts of farming wagons due to its extreme durability. It can be used as excellent fuel or very good coal.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)