Tree 17

Quercus canariensis

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Quick Facts

Genus: Quercus

Species: canariensis

Common Names: Algerian Oak

Mature Size: 30+ metres
Height: 15 metres
Width: 17.3 metres
Diameter at Breast height (DBH@1.4m): 104cm

Age of Tree: Maturing, this tree has almost reached its expected size in this position, on the edge of the cutting, marking the trail through this park.

Place of Origin: Southern Spain & Southern Portugal, including areas of North Africa.

Plant Habit: Broad spreading tree, with single stout trunk originating ground level.

Growth Habit: Slow in our dry summer conditions.

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Story

This tree could have been part of the original planting at Caledonian Park of 100 trees on the 25th of July 1905, or later according to a Master Plan, drawn up by a Mr Riddle around 1907 for the whole of Caledonian Park to the cost of Pounds 3 3/-.

Firstly the famous Mr Guilfoyle (of Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens fame) was asked but was not available and Mr Fleming from Taylor and Sangster in Macedon laid out the drive and paths.

Mr W.S. Riddle then prepared the master plan to scale. Unfortunately this plan is now lost.

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Horticultural Information

Preferred Conditions: Soil Moisture good in summer, though will tolerate extended dry conditions.

Tolerance to drought, heavy pruning.

Semi-deciduous, it never sheds all of its leaves during the winter months in south eastern Australia.

Soil Type: Tolerant of a wide range of soil types.

Useful Life Expectancy (ULE): Long lived 150years+, a specimen in Kynton Botanical Gardens is 160 years+ and growing strong.

Significance: This tree provides a strong presence in this park setting, with its size and spread giving excellent shade.

Flowering Characteristics: Catkins that are indistinct. Fruit is an acorn, that takes up to 2 years to mature and is used as stock feed.

Features: Bark is hard and dark grey, with shallow fissures. Fruit are acorns, a true nut, Foliage a shallow lobed leaf, dark green on upper surface and a paler green below. Autumn foliage is yellow, though the leaves are not held on the tree for long once they turn in colour; considered semi-deciduous as they do not shed all of their leaves each winter. Often retaining at least 35-40% of their leaves; these are lost as the spring advances and new leaves emerge.

Points of Interest: Large attractive tree, that casts deep shade in summer.