Quercus suber L.

Frost-hardy, rounded evergreen tree with thick, corky bark, oblong, toothed leaves, to 7cm long, and ovoid acorns.  To 20m.  [RHSE, Hortus Hilliers’].  The bark is the source of cork. 

Horticultural & Botanical History

Introduced to Britain in 1581.  [PD].  ‘This is a kind of ever green Oak, its leaves are thicker and much less indented than the common Oak, and the acorns smaller.  It grows in Spain and Italy, and the southern parts of France.  The bark, of which they make cork, is separated from the tree by making a long incision from the head to the root of the tree, which they take care to do in dry weather; for the young tender bark is liable to be destroyed, and the trees killed by rain.  Cork is said to be restringent and good for all kinds of fluxes; some commend the ashes or burnt cork for the same purposes.’  [Blackwell pl.193/1737].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.812/1843].  Several mature specimens are located in the Old Orchard, now the property of the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute.  This tree was probably introduced for utility rather than ornament.

Notes

Published Feb 03, 2010 - 05:21 PM | Last updated Feb 03, 2010 - 05:25 PM


Figurd are ovate, wavy-edged leaves and ripe acorns.  Blackwell pl.193, 1737.

Quercus suber L. | Blackwell pl.193/1737 | BHL

More details about Quercus suber L.
Family Fagaceae
Category
Region of origin

Western Mediterranean and north Africa

Synonyms
Common Name

Cork oak

Name in the Camden Park Record

Quercus suber - Cork tree 

Confidence level high