cork oak
Quick Summary
Cork is the outer bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), native to the Mediterranean region. This evergreen oak typically grows to about 60 feet tall and has glossy green leaves.12
The cork is harvested from the tree's outer sheath, which regenerates over several years without harming the tree. This process can be repeated every 8-10 years. The unique structure of cork, composed of air-filled, watertight cells, makes it an excellent insulator and impervious to liquids. It is also very lightweight, being only one-fifth the weight of water.13
While specialized materials have replaced cork in some applications, it remains important as a stopper for wine and other beverages. It is also used in life preservers, fishing equipment, and as reconstituted material for insulation, flooring, and gaskets.13
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cork…of oak tree called the cork oak (species Quercus suber) that is native to the Mediterranean region. Cork consists of the irregularly shaped, thin-walled, wax-coated cells that make up the peeling bark of the birch and many other trees, but, in the restricted commercial sense of the word, only the…
Read More…of oak tree called the cork oak (species Quercus suber) that is native to the Mediterranean region. Cork consists of the irregularly shaped, thin-walled, wax-coated cells that make up the peeling bark of the birch and many other trees, but, in the restricted commercial sense of the word, only the…
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oakMajor species and uses…from the bark of the cork oak (Q. suber), and the tannin-rich kermes oak (Q. coccifera) is the host of the kermes insect, once harvested for a dye contained in its body fluids.
Read More…from the bark of the cork oak (Q. suber), and the tannin-rich kermes oak (Q. coccifera) is the host of the kermes insect, once harvested for a dye contained in its body fluids.
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FagalesEconomic and ecological importancesuber (cork oak), native to and cultivated in the Mediterranean region; however, other species also produce cork. The bark is first stripped from the trees when they are about 20 years old, although the first quality cork is not produced for another 8 to 10 years.…
Read Moresuber (cork oak), native to and cultivated in the Mediterranean region; however, other species also produce cork. The bark is first stripped from the trees when they are about 20 years old, although the first quality cork is not produced for another 8 to 10 years.…
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