The production regions are in the
Mediterranean area.
The environmental factors
that facilitate a good growth.
The cork quality is practically independent
of the seasonal variations that compensate themselves in the
course of the growing years. The quality depends largely on
the tree situation. A fertile land, humid and well exposed
to the Atlantic climate means faster growth with reinforced
elasticity and a lower density. On the contrary, in a less
fertile land or on the top of a hill, the cork will be sinewy
and dense. Different types of cork have different usage.
The rhythm of
growth (slow, medium, fast) is shown on the production
regions map (see
below).
The bark of female cork
protects the cork tree against fire.
The deep pivoting
roots gives to the cork tree a great resistance to wind. The thick bark,
less combustible and insulating, burns only superficially. It protects the
conducting texture of the sap. After a fire, the sleeping buds give birth
to new sprouts; thus generating the vegetal crowns two years after a fire,
providing that the stripping was not recently performed.
The world production of cork ... and Portugal
The planted
surface of cork trees is over 2'200'000 hectares. 700'000
hectares are located in Portugal . Of the world annual production of
230'000 Tons, Portugal produces 60 %, helped by a climate that
stimulates an optimum growth of cork.
