Holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) forests and woodlands have been considered as a paradigm for Mediterrainean terrestrial ecosystems. In the western part of the Mediterranean Basin, these forests and woodlands occupy large areas and thus play a very important role in the landscape. A number of research projects from the Centre of d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE), the Centre de Recerna Ecologica i Aplicacions Forestals (CREAF), and from many other laboratories are currently focusing on Q. ilex ecosystems, and a number of problems have appeared concerning not only basic knowledge but also the management aspects. For this reason, the CEFE and the CREAF decided to jointly organize the workshop on Quercus ilex L. Ecosystems, which was held in Montpellier and Barcelona in September 1991. The present volume consists of a selection of papers presented during the workshop. The papers are divided into five sections: biogeography and history; structure, productivity and dynamics; water relationships; nutrient cycling; management.