Oak, Lucombe

The Lucombe Oak, is a large spreading semi-evergreen tree, that can grow to a height of over 20m, and may live for 240 years.

The bark is thick and corky and is fire resistant. Branches on older trees can be quite chunky. The buds are brownish, ovate shaped and clustered at the end of the twig. The terminal bud usually has whiskers which are present all year round.

This tree was planted over 100 years ago.

Photo supplied by:

Common Name:
Lucombe Oak

Scentific Name:
Quercus hispanica lucombeana

Tree No:
30

Location:
k16

Like Turkey Oak, the Lucombe Oak has leaves with pointed lobes. New leaves appear in May and are pale green. They darken within a few weeks. There is some leaf fall in winter, but unless the weather is severe, they last until spring.

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Like all oak trees flowering is monoecious. The male flowers are in catkins and appear at the some time as the new leaves. Female flowers appear at the same time and are bright red and up to 1.0 cm. They are bigger than those of other oaks.

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The fruit is an acorn, take up to two years to fully mature and have hairy cups – a trait from the Turkey Oak.

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The Lucombe Oak was bred in 1762 by chance in the Exeter nursery of Lucombe and Pince.

Its parents were the vigorous Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris) and the evergreen Cork Oak (Quercus suber).

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The tree is nearly evergreen and shares the advantages of both its parents except that it does not produce cork.

When Mr Lucombe was reaching what he thought were the end of his days, he wanted to have the tree he had planted, aged 20, sawn up for his coffin. However, the original boards had long since rotted by the time the old man actually died at the age of 102 – but he had had another tree planked up, so achieved his wish.

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Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens,
43 Bocking End,
Braintree,
CM7 9AE.

Open 9:00 to 4:00pm – January, February.
Open 9:00 to 6:00pm – March.
Open 9:00 to 7:00pm – April.
Open 9:00 to 8:00pm – May, June, July, August.
Open 9:00 to 7:00pm – September.
Open 9:00 to 6:00pm – October.
Open 9:00 to 4:00pm – November December.

Note – The gates are locked at dusk.
Dusk is subject to seasonal variation, so closing times may not be exactly to the schedule, at the transitions.

No dogs allowed in the gardens.
No alcohol to be consumed in the gardens.
No riding of cycles or scooters in the gardens.

General Enquiries
Phone: 01376 773066
Email: info@braintreeandbockinggardens.co.uk

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Phone: 01376 773070
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Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens

Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens

We provide, maintain and preserve these unique and beautiful gardens as a community green space.

Despite the weather last weekend, our community‑run Christmas Market lit up the gardens. Organised by Rachel Woodcraft at Festoon Events along with a handful of volunteers, local businesses, and brave traders created an affordable festive event, where Santa met hundreds of excited children.We were delighted to welcome local families, though the rain kept some visitors at home, the atmosphere remained warm and festive.Father Christmas met hundreds of excited children in the cosy Grotto, hearing their wishes and sharing memories that lit up room.Thanks to generous donations from local businesses - Gates Peugeot, Prince recycling ltd - SKIPS, C J Yates Construction Ltd, Braintree Garden Centre and B&Q Braintree for festive photo props and displays, the gardens were transformed into a wonderful festive scene. Those who braved the cold, wet conditions were greeted by mischievous Elves from Frederick Douglas Performing Arts Academy, a festive light trail, photo displays, including a 20ft Snowman and Father Christmas, Evo Inflatables - Kids Zone and more. The wonderful @Braintreevoices, Bocking Concert Brass - BCB, ADC Dance and Fitness, Jane Stringer and friends, Tesco for the gingerbread decorating who all entertained us throughout the three days.The fantastic Market stall holders, team in Coffee House in the Gardens and volunteers Friends of Bradford Street Braintree showed resilience offering handmade gifts, tasty treats, and mulled wine that added to the festive ambience.Thank you to everyone who came and helped make the Christmas magic happen. Lastly, a very special thanks to our Chairman - Alan Payne, Trustee - Stephen Becket, who worked tirelessly to instal the lighting and festive displays, Conrad Yates who helped install the fabulous Grotto, the sleigh, and all the reindeers and of course huge THANK YOU to our amazing volunteer Father Christmases, Anthony Reay, Les Priest and Conrad Yates for bringing the Christmas joy to so many children over the three days.We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed -Crown hire BSW Marquees Ltd volunteers, sponsors, traders, and all the wonderful families who supported the community event. We look forward to a brighter (and drier) event next year with an even larger turnout. ... See MoreSee Less
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It’s our final day of Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens Christmas Market and Santas Grotto 2025, and the sun has come out to play! Huge shout out to all of our amazing stall holders who have braved the weather over the last two days to bring their fabulous items for us all to get those early Christmas gifts, delicious food, and drinks from the bar!!Come down today to show your support them all, gates open free m 4pm - 9pm and entry is free to the market. The Groto is open from 4pm - 8pm. Follow the festive light trail to Santa’s Grotto, passing Santa’s Sleigh and his reindeer’s, take some photos with our 20ft snowman and Father Christmas, and we have the wonderful Bocking Concert Brass - BCB here today.We look forward to seeing you all very soon.Thank you to Gates Peugeot Prince recycling ltd - SKIPSC J Yates Construction Ltd Braintree Garden Centre Crown hire Evo Inflatables BSW Marquees Ltd Friends of Bradford Street Braintree and all our volunteers for helping to support this community event. ... See MoreSee Less
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