Commercial Cork: Obtained from Quercus

Cork is a natural and renewable resource that is harvested from the bark of cork oak (Quercus suber) trees. Cork oak is predominantly found in the Mediterranean region, including Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and North Africa.

The process of harvesting cork involves stripping the bark from the trunk of the cork oak tree every nine to twelve years, without harming the tree. The harvested cork is then boiled, trimmed, and punched into corks of various sizes and shapes.

Commercial cork is widely used in the production of wine bottle stoppers, as well as in other industries such as construction, fashion, and automotive.

Other Sources of Cork:

Although cork oak is the primary source of commercial cork, other species of trees also produce cork, including:

- Quisqualis indica (Rangoon creeper)
- Baliospermum montanum (Physic nut)
- Anacardium occidentale (Cashew tree)

However, the cork obtained from these species is not widely used in commercial applications, as the quality and quantity of the cork produced is inferior to that of cork oak.

In conclusion, commercial cork is predominantly obtained from the bark of cork oak (Quercus suber) trees, which are native to the Mediterranean region. While other species of trees also produce cork, the cork obtained from these species is not commonly used in commercial applications.