Six species of the Quercus genus Quercus ilex. L., Q. coccifera L., Q. suber L., Q. trojana Webb, Q. macrolepis Kotschy, Q. cerris. L.) have been screened for cytosolic ascorbate peroxidase (APX) by means of native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). A single isozyme was found in five species (Q. trojana, Q. suber, Q. cerris, Q. macrolepis and Q coccifera), while Q. ex shows two different APX proteins. The data showed marked similarities among Q. trojana, Q. suber, Q. cerris and Q. macrolepis with respect to the electrophoretic mobility. The validity of APX electrophoretic patterns in systematic studies is discussed.