elongated stem above the cotyledons (the epicotyl) that forms a tube, while the stem below the cotyledons (the hypocotyl) is tuberous. The section contains seven species, native to south-eastern Northern America, Mexico, the West Indies (Cuba), and Central America. Section Quercus Quercus sect. Quercus has been known, either in whole or part, by a variety of names in the past, including Quercus sect. Albae, Quercus sect. Macrocarpae and Quercus sect. Mesobalanus. Members of the section may be called white oaks. The section includes all white oaks from North America (treated by Trelease as subgenus Leucobalanus). The staminate flowers have up to seven stamens. The acorns mature in one year. The seed leaves (cotyledons) are either free or fused together. The cup at the base of the acorn has thickened triangular scales that are either free or fused at the base and have sharp angled tips. The scales have keels and are often covered with small bumps (tuberculate). The leaf teeth typically do not have either bristle-like or spiny tips. There are about 150 species, native to Northern America, Mexico, Central America, western Eurasia, East Asia, and North Africa. Notes References Plant subgenera subg. Quercus