Ecological Importance and Conservation Status
Golden oak offers soil stabilisation against erosion due to its ability to colonize stony and rocky slopes. In its distribution area, Quercus alnifolia is the most important broadleaved species forming forest stands, while the major part of Cypriot forests are covered by conifers (Pinus brutia). Thick stands of Quercus alnifolia in mesic habitats, considerably modify the humidity conditions of the site and form forest soils with "mull" humus favouring the existence of sciophilous herbal species.
Golden oak is protected by the forest law of Cyprus, while the habitat type "Scrub and low forest vegetation of Quercus alnifolia (9390)" is a priority habitat of Europe (directive 92/43/EEC) . Large forest expanses of the species have been proposed for inclusion in the Natura 2000 ecological network of the European Union.
Read more about this topic: Quercus Alnifolia
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