Large tree, evergreen leaves; leaves coriaceous, oblong to elliptic, 3-12 cm, obtuse or slightly pointed, commonly entire, hairless and more or less shiny on the upperside; petioles 0.5-1 cm; males catkins hanging, grouped together; calyx bell shaped, with 4-7 lobes; 2 ovules in each cavity, one commonly maturing in each pistil; fruit, or acorn, in large coriaceous achene 2-2.5 cm, held in scaly cup about 15 mm wide. Common names: encina, encino.