Gall oak

The gall oak is a type of white oak that grows in arid to semi-arid hills and mountains of Ruleska and southeastern Ruvera. It prefers gentle slopes and deep old soils, and can handle both prolonged cold temperatures and intense dry heat. It grows as a shrub or small tree, generally no taller than 4 to 10 feet, though very old specimens may sometimes have a trunk of up to 3 feet in width or, in the case of some dual-trunked individuals, nearly 6 feet. Its leaves are oblong to elliptical, with crenellated margins. They can turn a range of pretty oranges, reds, and yellows in the fall, and are often retained on the branches through winter, which gives them value as cold weather shelter for both wildlife and livestock. It produces very long and narrow acorns, their ends just barely covered by the caps.

Uses

As implied by its name, the gall oak is most useful for the galls it produces on its twigs. These galls are an excellent source of highly concentrated tannins, which are widely used to make ink as well as a number of medicines. The ink displays a great deal of permanence as well as high water resistance, making it a favorite of merchants, seafarers, and travelers of all kinds, though poorer formulations of the naturally acidic ink may cause it to eventually eat through paper or parchment. Medicines made from the gall tannins are most typically used to treat skin infections and as a general anti-inflammatory. They can be used to cure ulcers, promote digestion, and also treat postpartum infections. The galls are additionally often made into a powder to treat toothache and promote the health of teeth and gums. Besides these more specialist uses, the tree furnishes good shelter for goats and other small livestock, and its abundant scrubby branches can be used as fuel or to make charcoal.