JBCLM | 2010-2026
32. Luso-Extremaduran Holm Oak Woodland
Holm oak forests with piruétano trees common in western castellanomanchego.
The Iberian pear (Pyrus bourgaeana) accompanies holm oaks on siliceous soils in dry to subhumid environments (450–750 mm annual rainfall). These woodlands represent the climatic climax communities of the mesomediterranean belt, in slightly drier settings than those occupied by cork oak forests. Like cork oak forests, Luso-Extremaduran holm oak woodlands include species common on siliceous soils in Castilla–La Mancha, such as the terebinth (Pistacia terebinthus), Phlomis purpurea, laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus), alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus), and the critically endangered larkspur Delphinium fissum subsp. sordidum, protected in Castilla–La Mancha.
The flagship species of these forests, Pyrus bourgaeana, belongs to the Rosaceae family. This small tree can reach up to 10 m in height and, although drought-tolerant, is highly susceptible to frost damage. It is sometimes confused with the domestic pear (Pyrus communis), though its fruits are smaller. While not edible for humans, the fruits are an important food source for animals such as badgers, foxes, and deer.
