The Largest Cork Tree In The World
Learn more about the Whistler Cork Oak Tree, the national tree of Portugal
Whistler cork oak tree (2018) by UNAC - Unie lesů středozemíEuropean Tree of the Year
Meet a 236 years old cork oak tree (Quercus suber) from Águas de Moura in Portugal that was planted in 1783 at the Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves reigned by Queen Maria I. The tree has a special role in maintaining the ecosystem and symbolically illustrates the importance of the wine industry in Portugal.
„The Whistler“
Its nickname comes from the whistling sound of the birds that land on branches of the cork tree.
Whistler tree in numbers
This giant is around 16,2 m tall with a diameter at breast height of 4,15 m. The tree has been stripped for cork more than 20 times. It yielded over 1200 kg of cork in 1991, producing more than 100 000 cork stoppers - more than an average cork tree would produce in its lifetime.
Whistler cork oak tree (2018) by UNAC - Unie lesů středozemíEuropean Tree of the Year
A national tree of Portugal
The cork oak is considered the national tree in Portugal and its care is enshrined in the Constitution. If such a tree grows on private land, it must be treated according to strict rules. Even a dead tree cannot just be cut down; a special permit is required.
The tree was almost taken down with other 411 cork oaks in 2000, as an illegal urban expansion took place. By 2001 the law was reformed to better protect the oaks.
Whistler cork oak tree (2018) by UNAC - Unie lesů středozemíEuropean Tree of the Year
The restrictions and protection have resulted in thousands of miles of cork forest, mainly in the region of Alentejo. A growth rate of the cork oak forests in Portugal is about 4 per cent per year.
According to estimates, nowadays, there is enough cork in the portuguese forests to last more than 100 years, in case its consumption stays the same.
Whistler cork oak tree (2018) by UNAC - Unie lesů středozemíEuropean Tree of the Year
In 1988, the cork tree has been classified as „Tree of Public Interest“. Also it is registered in the Guiness Book of Records as „the largest cork oak in the world“. It was one of the 13 trees competing for European Tree of the Year in 2018.
The moment of victory
Watch the European Tree of the Year 2018 Award Ceremony
The Whistler cork oak was the winner of the 2018 European Tree of the Year competition with 26 606 votes from its supporters from all around the world.
Will you support the trees and help us to continue our important work?
The tree was nominated into the European Tree of the Year contest by UNAC - Union of the Mediterranean Forest
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.