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The Macedonian oak of Signorella can be admired in Martina Franca; also known as “U’ Fragne “ (in the local dialect), it actually grows inside the State Reserve of eastern Murge plateau. It is one of the Monumental Trees of Puglia: it has, in fact, managed to reach a remarkable size, quite unusual for its species. The water reserve nearby has obviously played a crucial role in this achievement.

Photo source: www.barinedita.it

Quercus trojana

-biology and ecology

The Macedonia oak is medium-size tree with a straight and branchy trunk, featuring a round and pretty large crown. It looks similar to holm oaks but is usually much smaller, often showing an almost shrubby bearing.

The Macedonian oak is a heliophilic and thermophilic species that does not like environments too dry, in fact, it prefers limestone soils; in Puglia, it also grows on well-watered, deep and fresh red soils, with a subacid reaction, with moderate content of phosphorus and potassium.
It rarely grows in single-species woods and can be often found in a Mediterranean climate zone which has to be warm but with enough rainfall. This tree is often associated with other species of oaks, such as the downy oak, Mount Tabor oak, kermes oak, holm oak and some others (ashes, hornbeams, hornbeams, rowans, elms, hackberries).

-distribution

Native to south-eastern Europe, this species can be found in Puglia and as far as the Balkans and the Black Sea; it is a typical Mediterranean species that grows from the sea level up to about 1.968 ft. In Italy, it is found in Puglia (Murge and Salento) and in Basilicata (Matera).

In Italy, it is often found along with other oak species such as holm oaks (Quercus ilex), downy oaks (Quercus pubescens), Turkey oaks (Quercus cerris), and kermes oaks (Quercus coccifera) in fairly thick woodlands. In its typical habitat on calcareous soils, the Macedoniam oak often lives in symbiosis with fungi and other plants.

– importance and use

The wood of the Macedoninan oak is semi-porous, hard and long-lasting, not only outdoors but also when in contact with water, thanks to the high content of tannins.
It is used in the shipyards, to make railway sleepers, barrel staves and support structures for the vineyards. It is an excellent fuel and produces very good coal.

The Macedonian oak is, unfortunately, rarely cultivated for ornamental purposes; that’s too bad, as it is suitable for small areas that could not accommodate larger types of oaks and offers an eye-catching sight with the lush foliage growing on the wrinkled bark.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)