Quercus pyrenaica

comments (4)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Forgive my ignorance, but can you explain the gall-forming process a bit more? Posted 9 years ago
1. RMFelix
  
  Lion
  
  The gall is formed following the laying of an egg of an insect in the branches of some species of Quercus (oak trees, oaks, holm oaks). This rounded shape outgrowth of is therefore a reaction of the plant against invaders, especially Hymenoptera (Cynipidae). Within the gall, the insect, such as wasps or a flies, complete their life cycle from youth to adult. If you get a gall and observe it in detail there may be a small hole on the outside, and that is a sign that the adult insect has left it. Otherwise, if the hole does not exist and is, you split it in half and you can still see the insect inside. in this photo was captured an early stage of development, the gall is still very small. In my childhood this was a great hobby, seeking galls with other kids to see if they had the insect inside ;) Cheers!
  
  Here you can see some other examples: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gall_wasp
  
  Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thank you so much for the explanation. You say it is still small, but it doesn't come across as small to me :) Posted 9 years ago
  2. 1. RMFelix
      
      Lion
      
      But it is* a full grown gall as a more smooth brownish aspect. Posted 9 years ago

The Pyrenean oak

''Quercus pyrenaica'', commonly known as Pyrenean oak, is a tree native to southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Despite its common name, it is rarely found in the Pyrenees Mountains and is more abundant in central and southern Spain.

Trees grow slowly to 20 metres , or rarely 25 m in optimal conditions. In poor soils, it is often found as a bush or small tree. Roots frequently produce suckers.

Leaves have short petioles and are deeply and irregularly lobed, with four.. more

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Similar species: Beeches, Oaks, Walnuts

Species identified by RMFelix