robur

Robur is a Latin noun meaning oak, or strength, and appears in various contexts beyond language. In biology, Quercus robur L., commonly known as the pedunculate oak or European oak, is a deciduous tree in the family Fagaceae. It is one of the most widespread oaks in Europe and western Asia and is closely related to Quercus petraea (sessile oak). The epithet robur highlights the tree’s strong timber.

Description: Quercus robur is a large, long‑lived tree, often reaching 20–40 meters in height. The leaves are deeply lobed with rounded teeth, dark green above and pale beneath. The acorns are borne on long peduncles, typically maturing in autumn after one growing season. The bark is grey and fissured, providing substantial support for its sturdy form.

Distribution and habitat: It occurs across much of Europe from the British Isles to the Ural Mountains, and into western Asia. It favors well‑drained soils in broadleaf or mixed forests, and tolerates a wide range of conditions, thriving in temperate climates.

Ecology and uses: The wood is heavy, hard, and durable, valued for furniture, flooring, barrels, and shipbuilding. Ecologically, it supports numerous invertebrates and mammals; acorns are a crucial food source for birds and mammals. Quercus robur forms symbiotic mycorrhizal associations with various fungi and plays a key role in oak‑dominated ecosystems.

See also: Sessile oak, White oak, Fagaceae.