Quercus alnifolia belongs to the endemic flora of the island and it is confined to the igneous geological complex of the Troodos Mountains.

[5] Quercus alnifolia belongs to subgenus Cerris, section Ilex, as with much of the mediterranean evergreen oak species.

[9] Golden oak offers soil stabilisation against erosion due to its ability to colonize stony and rocky slopes.

Thick stands of Q. alnifolia in mesic habitats, considerably modify the humidity conditions of the site and form forest soils with "mull" humus favouring the existence of sciophilous herbal species.

A preliminary study in 2011, reported over 80 mycorrhizal fungi to be associated with the golden oak; the total number, however, is estimated to be much higher.