Cork bark oak

Quercus suber is an evergreen oak species in the Fagaceae family, primarily cultivated for its cork. It is native to southwest Europe and northwest Africa and has a long history in the Mediterranean basin. The tree can be harvested for cork without damage, with the first harvest occurring at 25 years and subsequent harvests every 9 to 12 years. Its bark is thick and provides the material for various commercial uses, including wine corks and flooring. The species has a wide distribution, including Portugal, Spain, Algeria, and other regions, and is found in botanical gardens and protected areas such as the Table Mountain National Park and Tankwa-Karoo National Park.