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Quercus pubescens (Fagaceae)

Downy oaks are the most represented specie in Basilicata and an important specimen is the oak of Grottone because of its magnificence. This monumental tree is 600 years old and its dimensions are remarkable: 7.22 meters trunk circumference, 18 meters height. Its phytosanitary conditions appear to be good, even though it was necessary to remove some big branches (1 meter of diameter), because of a storm which occures 20 years ago. There is a strong bond between the Lucanians and the oaks; these trees were planted in uncultivated soils next to small farms and the wood was used to build farming tools.

How to reach it:

The tree is located in Tricarico (MT) in the area of Grottone.

Botanical characteristics:

The plant is spread in a wide area and the centre of the spreading area is located in southern Europe.

Downy oaks are present all over Italy.

The heliophilus and xerophilous is able to resist to low temperatures, but it needs high temperatures in summer. It grows between 200 and 800 meters of altitude on the slopes with a southern exposure.

It grows in woods and shrub formations.

It associates with Flowering Ashes, European hornbeams and black pines in the north of Italy. In the central and southern area, it grows only in the lower part of holm oak woods and in the upper part of Turkey Oaks woods.

Its wood is harder and heavier than the one of oaks, the fibres tend to detach and because of this it results less workable than durmast and English oak, but it is a good fuel and produces a good charcoal.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)