Puntos de Interés
Vegetation
Holm Oak (Quercus ilex)
This is one of the most widely dispersed species in southern Europe. This tree, of the Fagaceae family, has developed an impressive ability to adapt to the changing meteorological conditions of Mediterranean countries like ours, characterised, especially in inland areas, by extreme temperatures. Some of the characteristics that allow it to survive in climates such as that of Burgos are its low stature, allowing it to develop a wide crown to cast shade over its own trunk which lowers the temperature during the oppressively hot summer months. It is also able to photosynthesise during the cooler hours of the summer period. But it is also capable of surviving the harsh winter temperatures, as the holm oak ceases its activity once the thermometer hits 0ºC.
Although it is a species that is usually associated with the south of Spain and the Mediterranean coast, the truth is that in certain inland areas, such as Burgos, it is possible to find areas dotted with this species, capable of adapting perfectly to the harsh and extreme temperatures of the province.
With regard to the uses of the holm oak, it is a species with an endless number of uses, ranging from the production of wood, although without doubt the most recognised use is as feed for the star animal of Spanish gastronomy: the pig. In fact, the term "acorn-fed" in reference to this animal is an indication of quality. Moreover, although acorns are not widely consumed in the Spanish diet today, the fact is that for centuries - especially before the arrival of the potato from America - the fruit of the holm oak was a characteristic foodstuff due to its high nutritional value.