Evergreen Oak
Quercus ilex
Family Fagaceae
Maltese name Sigra tal-Ballut
Habitat Afforestation Woodland
Evergreen tree that grows to a considerable height. Leaves rigid with a thick skin, dark green above and whitish below owing to a dense layer of white hairs. Shape of leaves very variable. Leaves growing from suckers are serrated and holly like. The small flowers in hanging catkins are wind pollinated. The same tree bears flowers of both sexes, and these bloom in spring. Fruits are called acorns. Typical of Mediterranean woodlands.
Grows wild in very few localities, among them are Wardija and Imgiebah. The Wardija trees are hundreds of years old. Rare.
