Cork Oak Tree

Cork is the protective outer covering of the stems and roots of a woody plants. It also refers to outer bark of the cork oak, an evergreen that is grown commercially. Cork oak can grow to as much as 60 feet and diameter of 24 inches, its dark green leaves have toothed edges. It can live for about 150 to 250 years.

Most of the Cork oak is found in Spain and Portugal and Morocco, these countries produces most of the worlds supply of cork oak. Cork oak is also seen along the coasts of southern Europe and North America. Growing and Selling the bark of the cork oak is one of the sources of livelihood in these countries. Cork oaks grow also in parts of California and the Southern United States, but its numbers is not enough to be of commercial importance. Cork is graded according to its quality and thickness, there are about 20 regular grades of cork and many special grades.

Properties and Description of Cork:

Cork is a very lightweight, resilient material. Its cells are produced in the inner bark and are pushed outward. Cork cells are like tiny empty boxes with flexible walls, the cells traps and hold air. The air is responsible for the buoyancy (ability to float) of cork and for its insulating properties. The weight of the cork is less than one-fourth as much as water. It is waterproof and a poor conductor of heat and sound. The cell walls of the cork contain suberin, it is a fatty substance that acts as waterproofing. All trees have a layer of cork, but only the cork oak has a layer that is thick enough to be of commercial importance.