Quercus tarokoensis, a rarity nestled in Taiwan's Taroko Gorge, flourishes amidst moist, mountainous terrains. Its broad, leathery leaves, with subtly serrated edges, are a tactile charm. The acorns, ensconced in a deep cup, are telltale marks of its identity. This oak's stature, often gnarled by the elements, anchors it as a stoic sentinel of its highland home.