Quercus coccifera
Quercus coccifera
Safety & Hazards
All parts of the plant contain tannins. Whilst tannins are found in many foods, and have a range of medicinal uses. They are usually only present in low concentrations. In some foods made from oaks (particularly the seeds), the tannin content can be quite high unless the food is treated to reduce tannin content. Tannins are only of low toxicity and, because of their bitter taste and astringency, are unlikely to be eaten in large quantities. However, if they are taken in excess, they can cause stomach pains; constipation followed by bloody diarrhoea: excessive thirst; and excessive urination[ 293 Title Poisonous Plants of North Carolina Publication Author Website http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/poison.htm Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent concise but comprehensive guide to toxic plants that grow in N. Carolina. It lists even those plants that are of very low toxicity, including several well-known food plants such as carrots and potatoes. ].
Botanical Description
Quercus coccifera is an evergreen shrub or a small tree with a dense crown and prickly leaves; it usually grows up to 4 metres tall, occasionally reaching 8 - 10 metres. The bole can be up to 35cm in diameter[ 1223 Title Phytologia Vol. 49 No. 2 Publication Author Publisher Year 1981 ISBN Description A botanical journal, it includes an article on the oaks of Turkey. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its holly-like leaves.