Whats the history of Cork Growth and Development?
The cork that is used to make cork flooring tiles and planks comes from the Cork Oak, which is almost exclusively found in a narrow band around the western coast of the Mediterranean. A distinct mixture of temperature, sunlight, relative humidity, and soil make-up is needed for the Cork Oak to flourish. The laws set up in these areas to protect both the development and “peeling” of the Cork Oak are stringent, and punishable by strict and ever-present fines. It is considered a natural treasure in these areas (and we tend to agree). For millions of years, the Cork Oak has survived on its inherent strength and spontaneous natural regeneration, though artificial regeneration is becoming more common. Selective thinning is also necessary to regulate the density of the cork oak communities, and to remove the aged trees. Cork trees that grow too closely together jeopardize their neighbors’ development, for the nutrients in the soil are essential to the Cork Oak’s longevity and success. In gene
