Quercus depressipes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Quercus depressipes |
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Quercus
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depressipes
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The depressed oak (also called Davis Mountain oak), known scientifically as Quercus depressipes, is a special type of plant. It belongs to the Fagaceae family, which includes many kinds of trees and shrubs. You can find this unique oak growing in North America, mostly in Mexico and the United States.
Where the Depressed Oak Lives
The depressed oak likes to grow in high places. You can find it on grassy slopes in mountains, usually between 2,100 and 2,600 meters (about 7,000 to 8,700 feet) above sea level.
Its main home is in the high deserts of Mexico. It grows in the states of Chihuahua, Durango, Nuevo León, and Zacatecas. In the United States, the depressed oak has only been found in one special place: the Davis Mountains in western Texas. It especially likes to grow on Mount Livermore there.
Other types of oak trees also live in the Davis Mountains. These include the Emory Oak (Quercus emoryi) and the Gray Oak (Quercus grisea).
Scientists are still learning about the depressed oak. They don't have enough information yet to know if it is doing well or if it is in danger.
What the Depressed Oak Looks Like
The Quercus depressipes is a kind of live oak. This means it stays green all year round! It's a shrub, which is a plant smaller than a tree. It usually grows only about one meter (40 inches) tall.
Its leaves are oval-shaped and feel leathery. The acorns of the depressed oak are small. They measure about 0.7 to 1.5 centimeters (0.3 to 0.6 inches) long. These acorns often grow in pairs. The cap of the acorn covers about a quarter to half of the nut.
See also
In Spanish: Quercus depressipes para niños
