Quercus ilex - Holm Oak

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Magnoliopsida - Order: Fagales - Family: Fagaceae

This evergreen oak was introduced to Britain some 400 years ago; it originates in the Mediterranean region. Some of the leaves are spiny - hence its specific name, derived from the Latin name of the holly.

Often found near the coast in Wales, the Holm Oak is rather sensitive to frost. It rarely exceeds 20 metres in height and is usually a lot smaller than that.