Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) a medium-sized, evergreen oak tree native to the Mediterranean basin. A cork oak can get up to 150-200 years old.
Cork oaks reach an average height of 10 -15 meters. The cracked gray-brown bark forms layers of 3 to 5 centimeters. The inside of the bark is red-brown. These layers of bark can be harvested repeatedly without harming the tree. The first cork-harvest takes place after about 15 years. Harvesting takes places every 8-12 years. One single oak can provide up to 100 kg of cork in its lifespan.
Cork is mainly used for the production of corks and stoppers, for heat and sound insulation and other applications, such as floor coverings etc.
