Quercus aucheri aka Boz Pirnal Oak

Quercus aucheri is an evergreen oak in the beech family, Fagaceae. Its common names include Aucher's oak and Boz-Pirnal oak. It comes from the eastern Aegean islands and southwestern Türkiye. Kew lists its native climate as subtropical. It grows as a shrub or tree. In gardens, it forms a slow-growing shrub about 16 feet [5 metres] tall. Its spread reaches about 13 feet [4 metres].

The leaves stay on the plant throughout the year. Male and female flowers grow on the same plant. Wind carries the pollen, but the plant is not self-fertile. The seeds take two years to reach maturity. Plants seldom set seed in Britain, according to Plants For A Future. The seeds measure about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] long. This oak attracts wildlife and suits the edges of woodland gardens. It can grow in sun or light woodland shade.

Give it deep, fertile loam for best growth. It also grows in heavy clay and tolerates lime. Suitable soils range from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. It accepts both dry and moist ground. Young plants can cope with some shade from the sides. The plant withstands strong winds, but not exposure to sea winds. Moderate exposure can limit its size without killing it. It prefers summers warmer than Britain's, though plants can grow well there. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10.

The seeds have a sweet taste and relatively little tannin. Plants For A Future lists them as edible raw or cooked. Roasted seeds can also serve as a coffee substitute. Bitter seeds need washing to remove their tannins before use. Grinding the seeds first makes this process faster. Washing also removes some minerals along with the tannins. The source reports no known hazards for this species. It also records traditional medicinal use of its astringent galls.

Fresh seed offers the best route to new plants. Seed soon loses its ability to sprout when dry. Keep stored seed cool and moist until sowing. Protect outdoor sowings from mice and squirrels. Deep pots give the developing taproot room to grow. Move young plants to their final sites early. Plants left in nursery beds beyond two growing seasons transplant poorly. Sowing straight into the final site avoids this root disturbance.