Comparison of general tree characteristics of less known oak species Quercus dalechampii Ten. and Quercus polycarpa Schur

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate basic tree characteristics of <I>Quercus dalechampii</I> Ten. and <I>Quercus polycarpa</I> Schur and to find out differences between them. Total height, height of crown base and diameter at breast height were measured before tree felling. Cut stems were visually checked for heart rot on their basal parts. Diameters were measured on each stem in 1 meter long sections from the base to the point of life crown setting. Average values for both species were compared by <I>t-test</I>. The total height was proved to be statistically different; the height of crown base and diameter at breast height were quite similar for both species. <I>Q. dalechampii</I> Ten. was proved to be of larger stem diameter from the tree foot to the 3<sup>rd</sup> height meter; the diameter of <I>Q. polycarpa</I> Schur was superior from that height upwards. However, the most significant interspecies difference was found in a number of stems affected by wood-rot fungi as <I>Q. polycarpa</I> Schur turned out to be less resistant than <I>Q. dalechampii</I> Ten.

A statistical approach to species identification on morphological traits of European white oaks: evidence of morphological structure in Italian populations ofQuercus pubescens sensu lato

“…Second, Q. dalechampii results more critical than Q. virgiliana about its taxonomic status; in fact, this species, described by Tenore (1811Tenore ( -1838, has been the subject of various contradictory interpretations in Europe. The most significant being its use to describe pinnatilobe forms regarding not only the cycle of Q. petraea but also that of Q. pubescens (Ascherson & Graebner, 1911;Camus, 1936-54;Schwarz, 1936-39;Savulescu, 1952;Davis, 1982;Mátyás, 1970;Pignatti, 1982;Schwarz, 1993;Brullo et al, 1999;Konrad & Wagner, 2007;Matula, 2008). Principally, Tenore (1830;1811-1838 distinguished this species by means of several features of leaves and fruits, but recently Brullo et al (1999) have lectotypified a specimen deposited into the Herbarium FI (Florence, Italy) and assigned to Q. dalechampii by Tenore: this lectotypus allows to identify Q. dalechampii as species more related to Q. pubescens than Q. petraea.…”

A review of the application of the name Quercus dalechampii

“…(2003) is the guide species of Querco dalechampii-Betuletum pendulae, a Greek mesophilous montane woodland that also includes Fagus sylvatica L., Epilobium montanum L., and Ru bus idaeus L. According to Brullo & al. (2008), Q. dalecham pii is a high-frequency species of the thermophilous Sicilian association Genisto aristae-Quercetum suberis, along with Pistacia lentiscus L., Daphne gnidium L., Cytisus infestus (C. Presl) Guss., and Rosa sempervirens L. Furthermore, the name Quercus dalechampii is widely cited in vegetation (Soó, 1964(Soó, -1980Požgaj & Nič, 2001;Biondi & al., 2004;Roleček, 2005;Costache, 2007;Brullo & al., 2008), forestry (Požgaj & al., 2004;Matula, 2008;Cvjetićanin & al., 2009), and conservation sciences (European Commission DG Environment, 2007;Davies & al., 2004). Michele Tenore's original and later descriptions of Quer cus dalechampii.…”