Q U E R C U S Robur,
Common British Oak.
MONOECIA Polyandria.
G e n . C h a r . Male, Cal. bell-shaped, lobed. Cor. none.
S tam . 5— 10. Female, Cal. bell-shaped, entire,
rough. Cor. none. S ty le 1 . S tigm a s 3. N u t
superior, leathery, with 1 seed.
S pec. Char. Leaves deciduous, oblong, wider towards
the extremity: their sinuses rather acute: their
angles obtuse. Fruit-stalks elongated.
Syn. Quercus Robur. L in n . Sp. PI. 1414. Sm. FI.
B r i t . 1026. B u d s . 421, a. R e lh . 378. Sibth. 133.
Woodv. M e d . B o t. t. 126. M a r t. R u s t. t. 10.
Q. foemina. W ith . 387.
Q . pedunculata. H u ll. 212. A h h o t. 210.
Q . latifolia. R a il S y n . 440.
I f Hi the foregoing page we have exhibited the most valuable
.British wood, with respect to the refinements of art, we here
present a plant of infinitely greater importance, the support of
our unconquered navy, and the most useful wood we have for
all the valuable purposes of civil life.
We have two certain species of Oak in Britain (see FI. Brit.),
but this is by far the most common, growing every where in
woods and hedges, and its timber is also the best. Those who
wish for more particulars on this subject than we have room
tor, will find ample satisfaction in Martyn’s Flora Rustica.
(Juercus Robur is no less ornamental than useful, growing to
a large size, rich and picturesque in it3 form and foliage.
It flowers early in April. The leaves are deciduous, alternate,
nearly sessile, somewhat obovate, but deeply sinuated, with
obtuse lobes; smooth and shining above; a little glaucous
beneath. Male flowers in slender pendulous stalked yellow
clusters; female 3 or 4 on a long stalk. The calyx of the latter
is entire, scaly, and becomes the well-known cup of the
nut or acorn. Few plants nourish more insects.