AusBonsai

Hey everyone,
This is a little tree from the in laws back yard, I have no idea what it is but it has amazing bark and looks like it would make for some nice material. I've taken cuttings but I have no idea if they will take or not!

Leaves look almost but not quite like Holly oak or Cork oak but bark does not look right A couple more clues might help - shrub or tree? size and shape? Planted as a garden plant or self seeded?
Good luck with the cuttings.

It's only a shrub, maybe 1.5m high and 2m across. Planted as a garden plant I'd say. The twigs and leaves are fairly leathery? Young shoots are a bit hairy.....

Just had a google, you're spot on shibui it looks like a holly oak. Weird it's so small then, it's got to be at least 20yrs old! I guess it's just where it's under a liquidambar on sandy soil.

The first thing I thought was Oak. it is a Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) similar to Holly Oak in leaf but not bark. Deffinately not a Corky Bark Oak. Check google for Holm Oak Tree Bark.
Is it planted under other plants? They are slow growing being under planted would explain stunted growth.
Cheers

Sorry missed your post. You have explained why it is stunted. Holm Oak for sure.
Cheers