Cork
By Bathgate
24 Nov, 2014
3 likes
A very useful tree. Cork has been used as bottle stoppers for more than 400 years. It is possibly the best suited material to use as a bottle stopper because it contains a natural waxy substance, called suberin. This substance makes cork impermeable to liquids and gas, and prevents the cork from rotting.
Comments on this photo
Is it a cork oak? Cork oaks are widely grown here; however, I've never seen them loose their leaves.
26 Nov, 2014
This one is a Japanese Cork Oak.
26 Nov, 2014
Thanks. It's Quercus variabilis not Quercus suber. Quercus suber is an evergreen tree. Quercus suber is a very common tree in California.
28 Nov, 2014
Very interesting. Your knowledge seems very deep and impressive.
28 Nov, 2014
Thanks. I've studied horticulture for at least 30 years.
29 Nov, 2014
wow, fantastic. You can be my consultant.
29 Nov, 2014
This is the only cork tree I've ever seen and is on the grounds of New York Botanical Garden. I just love the squiggly branch structure. They have a unique assortment of tree specimens including several acres of untouched original forest which is amazing when you are standing in it.
5 Dec, 2014
I seem to be many people's horticultural consultant on GoY. LOL! :>)
I love the branch structure on this tree! It must be very beautiful when it has all its leaves.
5 Dec, 2014
Interesting structured tree Paul. Now a question, which part of the tree does the cork come from? I assume there is a thick layer of it, just underneath the bark. .... maybe ?
12 Jun, 2015
Hi Alan, only the outer bark is used to make cork. It can be harvested without injuring the tree in any way.
12 Jun, 2015
Interesting, I didn't know that. Good that the tree isn't damaged.
12 Jun, 2015
That's great - a renewable resource.
12 Jun, 2015
?
13 Jun, 2015
I've never seen a cork tree before. Interesting :)
24 Nov, 2014