Holly Oak or Holm Oak

Holm Oak sculpted by wind

Holm Oak with acorns

Carbon KISS is cultivating over 200 Holly Oaks or Holm Oaks as they are called. These are not very common despit being introduce from Europe about 400 years ago. they are very common arround the Mediteranean and are very tolerant of salt and strong winds.

As the common name of Holly Oaks would indicate they are evergreen and the young leaves have spikey edges like a Holly leaf. The acorn is usually quite long and slender but the ones I found growing in Pixie Cove near Rosugeon are smaller as the soil and growing conditions are quite harsh, (see pictures below.) the severe winds are evident by the sweeping growth of the trees, one arching almost right over the road.

Pixie Cove, as you may know was the location for Ladies in Lavender staring Dame Judy Dench. This is on Cornwall’s South coast, about 5 miles East of Penzance, just past St Michael’s Mount.

Pixie Cove Cornwall UK

We hope to have the Holm Oaks available in 2009 / 2010.