Quercus elliptica (Encino Cucharita, Encino de Cerro (Spanish))


Botanical Information

FamilyFagaceae
GenusQuercus
Specieselliptica
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen)
OriginMexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras.

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThis species has been placed on the IUCN Red List as least concern.
HabitatWet montane forests at an altitude of 500-2,800m.
Bark/Stem DescriptionRough, dark grey bark.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionReddish, glabrous and glossy, 3 mm in length.
Leaf DescriptionOboval to elliptic-lanceolate, yellowish-green, glossy and smooth with a lighter underside, a rounded, cordate or auricled base and 10-14 prominent veins on either side of the midvein, 5-15 x 2-6 cm.
Flower DescriptionMale catkins, 5-14 cm in length.
Fruit DescriptionAcorn, ovoid, singular or paired, 1.3-1.5 cm.

Photographs