Article

In Bulgaria, Strandta oak grows naturally only in the Strandza mountains, in the catchment basins of the larger rivers, single or in groups mixed with other tree species. It needs a warm and humid climate. Two different ecotypes - dense-forest oak on deep and moist soils, karst oak on shallow, dry soils - are present. Plantations were studied on 6 experimental plots, si tuated centrally in, peripheral to or outside of the native range of the species. In suitable sites growth of the Strandta oak equals or exceeds that of other oak species (Quercus conferta, Q. cerris). One may conclude that extending the Strandta oak stands to suitable Bulgarian locations within or even outside its present distributional area is appropriate.