Une synthèse nouvelle de l'histoire du chêne vert (quercus ilex L.)

Abstract

A new interpretation of the Quercus ilex's story is given. This species, which has probably an oligocene origin, was spread throughout southern Europe during the Tertiary. After the Miocene period it seems to have withdrawn on its present area, adapting itself to the cold during the Villafran-chian period. It persisted during the Würm, under a climate rigorous at least in winter in the mediterranean area and probably also in western France. During the Post-würmian period, its development was checked in the west by the extension of the deciduous oak-grove, whereas toward the middle of the Atlantic period, in the mediterranean region, it supplanted the Quercus pubescens, helped by human action and climate. © 1971 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.