Broadleaved forests

Oak forests

Predominantly cork oak forests (Quercus suber) are generally pure stands, mixed here and there with holm oak, and more often with zeen oak at higher altitudes and maritime pine in the northeast (the Kabylie region). Cork oak is the most common broadleaved species in Algeria, especially in the northeast.

Reaching heights of 6 to 12 m, cork oak has two different forms, depending on the bioclimatic zone in which these stands are found. In subhumid and humid zones, forests are very closed, with an extremely bushy undergrowth 2 to 4 m high, and the presence of many species (Quercus faginea, Q. afares, Prunus avium, Pistacia atlantica, Cistus spp., Cytisus spp., etc.). In semi-arid zones, on the other hand, forests are open, poor in woody undergrowth (Cytisus linifolius, Sarothamnus baeticus, Ulex spectabilis, etc.), and with a well-developed seasonal herbaceous layer.

Predominantly holm oak forests (Quercus ilex) are found in mountain zones (400-2 400 m) and in every type of bioclimate, although this species is particularly common in the northwest of the country. It is the second most widespread broadleaved species in Algeria and reaches its maximum height (about 15 m) in humid zones.

Holm oak forests have two forms, depending on climatic zone. In arid areas (Saharan Atlas and south of Oran), they form an open, low canopy with many species in the dominant storey (Juniperus phoenicea, Juniperus oxycedrus, Pistacia terebinthus, P. atlantica, etc.), while in subhumid and humid areas they form a high, very closed canopy, with such species as Pinus halepensis, Olea europea, Quercus faginea, Juniperus oxycedrus, Taxus baccata and Sorbus terminalis, and an undergrowth made up mainly of mastic (Pistacia lentiscus), Cistus sp. and Crataegus monogyna.

Forests with a predominance of other species of oak (zeen oak/Quercus faginea and afares oak/Quercus afares) are usually thick and closed, with a poorly developed undergrowth. They are found in the coolest parts of cork oak stands, and also at higher altitudes.

In the tree layer, zeen oak is often combined with other species such as Quercus suber, Quercus ilex, Sorbus terminalis and Acer campestre. Afares oak is closely related to zeen oak and is found only in Algeria, mainly on relatively dry mountain slopes. It forms a thick cover, and its undergrowth is made up of the same species as that in zeen oak forests.

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last updated: Monday, January 12, 2004