Quercus virgiliana, Ten. 1835,
pubescence, acorn, leaf. Pen and ink on 3.5"x2.5" Bristol board. I had a
difficult time capturing the scales of this acorn; a lot of patterns
and texture.
I chanced upon this almost perfectly ovoid acorn, Quercus virgiliana
because I made a typographical error in searching for interesting facts
about Quercus virginiana. What a magnificent discovery! This acorn is
produced by the most beautiful and largest heritage oak trees in
Southern Europe, East Corsica, Italy to the Black Sea. Quercus vigiliana
or Roverella. There appears to be quite extensive documentation of
heritage specimen throughout Italy. Check out these beautiful acorn
images here and the majestic 1000 year old tree, the largest in Italy; a 250-300 year old specimen here and an estimated 400 year old tree here.
The leaf of the Quercus virgiliana is broadly oboval, 10-16 cm., flat
with a rounded or cordate base. It has 5 to 7 pairs of often rounded
lobes. It is woolly beneath. The petiole measures 1.5-2.5 cm.. The acorn
is 3-4 cm in diameter, on a short peduncle, almost sessile; the cup has
flat , lanceolate, reflexed scales. Ref: Oaks of the World
