IDENTIFICATION

It is a big tree (up to 25 m high), of evergreen leaves, with a wide and rounded canopy. The trunk is covered by a thick layer called cork. When the cork is taken off, a reddish trunk appears which turns darker little by little. The leaves are simple, with an alternating setting and an oval or round shape. The beam is dark green and the underside is whitish with furs. The edge is full or exhibits soft peaks which do not get to prick like in the holm oak. The flowers are grouped in inflorescences forming yellow hanging peduncles (aments). The fruit is dry and called acorn. It tastes bitter. They have a bonnet (husk) with outstanding and soft scales.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It is a typical Mediterranean tree forming mono-specific or mixed forests with pines or gall oaks. It grows from sea level to 1,000 meters above sea level. It prefers acid or decalcified soils. It needs humidity and can not stand frosts, that is why it is usually found in valley bottoms, delis and foothills. It forms evergreen and sclerophyllous (of tough leaves) tree forests, characteristic from wet and very humid areas with soft temperatures. When the cork oak forest is hollowed out (the density of woodland and undergrowth and scrub land is reduced) and a cork oak pasture is formed.

HOW DOES IT LIVE?

It is a monoic species (a single tree can have both male and female flowers), although the flowers are uni sexual (they are male or female, never hermaphrodite). The flowering is continuous (from April to autumn). The acorns have a yearly maturation in three stages. The first ones mature in September, the second ones in autumn and the third ones in January. 

WHERE CAN WE SEE IT IN MÁLAGA?

It is a very localized species in the province of Málaga. It is more present in the western part. It abounds in the Cortes mountains, the Genal valley, and in some coastal areas between Mijas and Manilva. In the Great Path (Gran Senda), we can observe it on stages 24 to 28 and 30. 

CURIOUS FACTS

The cork oak is a tree with high economic as much as ecological value. The most outstanding aspect of this species is its cork use, removed every nine years to be sold and transformed, moreover the cork tree forests are also used for pig farming. However, the cork tree forests also shelter a great biodiversity and are linked to some species, like the roe deer in Malaga. The wood of this tree can be so tough that it conceived the phrase "cork tree head" to label very stubborn people.

SIMILAR SPECIES

It can be confused with the holm oak or the gall oak. The presence of cork on the trunk really distinguishes it from other Quercus. In addition, the holm oak differs from the cork oak since the latter has fur on the underside of the leaf and is white, whereas the holm oak does not. Compared to the gall oak, it differs as this one has yellow and deciduous leaves, as well as the typical guts that the cork oak lacks.