It is interesting to start by exposing that the term cork oak is considered very rich, insofar as it is the result of the contribution made by both Romans and Arabs and Hispanics. And it is considered that it is the result of the sum of several components of the languages of those:
-The particle “al” derives from Arabic and is used to indicate “el” or “la”.
-The noun “quercurs” comes from Latin and can be translated as “oak”.
-The suffix “-oque” derives from “-occus”. This seems to be a suffix of Hispanic origin.
A class of tree that belongs to the family group of fagaceae is called cork oak. Scientific name Quercus suber, the cork oak is native to the European continent and North Africa, although its cultivation has spread to other regions.
The cork oak, which has a large crown, can reach a height of about ten meters. Its fruits are acorns, while it has flowers that cannot be seen easily. Its main feature, however, is its very hard wood and its bark that is made of cork.
This cork that is collected from the bark constitutes the most important value for the exploitation of cork oaks. When the bark is removed, the tree is usually left aside for a few years until the extraction is done again. This allows not to exhaust production and obtain good quality cork (the bark requires a few years to recover).
Cork has multiple uses. The most common is related to the sealing of the bottles: with cork from the cork oak, stoppers are made for champagne, wine and other products. Cork is also used in packaging, cladding or insulating material.
Beyond cork, cork oak is also used for its wood (which allows it to produce charcoal) and for its acorns (intended for animal feed).
Other interesting facts that are worth knowing about the cork oak are the following:
-There is a large cork oak formation that is a benchmark in Spain and Europe. We are referring to what is known as Las Pajareras and which belongs to the Doñana National Park.
-It should also be noted that in Spain, specifically on the southern coast of the country, is the famous Parque de los Alcornocales. It is a natural park that is considered one of the largest in the nation, it belongs mostly to Cádiz and another area to Malaga. It has exactly the largest cork oak forest in Spain and is in a perfect state of conservation. It also has enclaves such as the Pico de El Aljibe and the Cueva del Tajo de las Figuras.
-Like many plants, flowers and trees, the cork oak has its symbolism. Specifically, it is associated with values such as protect and maintain.
It should be noted that the individual who is rough or illiterate is also classified as a cork oak. For example: “You are a cork oak! Don’t you know that water and oil cannot mix? ” , “Germán’s cork oak wanted to fix the television and caused a short circuit. ”
