Quercus suber
Oak with characteristic thick bark used commercially. Long-lived Mediterranean tree with small glossy leaves.
The cork oak needs full sunlight, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun per day, and is best planted in autumn or spring in well-drained, preferably acidic or slightly acidic soil, typical of Mediterranean environments. Watering should be sparse once established, as it is a highly drought-tolerant species; young specimens only need watering during the first summers until they are well rooted. It withstands light frosts down to -5 °C, making it hardy enough for outdoor Mediterranean gardens, but it should never be grown indoors. Avoid compacting the soil around the tree and respect its slow growth, as it can reach between 4 and 7 metres in height over the years.