Quercus suber, commonly called the cork oak, is a medium-sized, evergreen oak tree in the section Quercus sect. Cerris. It is the primary source of cork for wine bottle stoppers and other uses, such as cork flooring and as the cores of cricket balls. Cork oaks commonly live more than 200 years. Virgin cork (or 'male' cork) is the first cork cut from generally 25-year-old trees. Another 9 to 12 years is required for the second harvest, and a tree can be harvested about twelve times in its lifetime. Cork harvesting is done entirely without machinery, being dependent solely on human labor. Usually five people are required to harvest the tree's bark, using a small axe. The process requires training due to the skill required to harvest bark without harming the tree. Seeds are viable and suitaible for planting. If you purchase 3 or more seeds orders from our shop, you will get double amount of the smallest seeds for free! Free international worldwide shipping, no tracking number (3-4 weeks delivery, 1 week Europe). Expedited international shipping with tracking number 1 week delivery.