Questions on Cork

[kyle]

I've been curious about the heavy use of Cork bark in the herp industry, and have been doing a bit of reading up on it.

For those who don't already know, it turns out the bark which we all use is a completely renewable resource stripped from the mediterranean cork oak trees after the first 9 years of growth, then in the next 9 they can again strip the bark. From there, the growth is used to make other cork products... mainly flooring. But through its whole life of 150-200 years the tree is stripped every 9 years or so it seems. Pretty interesting industry... but here's my question.

The flooring companies all mention it has hypoallergenic properties, telling us
"Cork is hypoallergenic. Cork, because of its natural properties, resists mold, mildew, bacteria."

Can anyone with a better understanding of "Natural Properties" clue me into what those may be? Basically I'm looking for an argument that not only is it highly decorative for terrarium design, it also has antiseptic properties and they are ___(?)___.

Any leads on information, or a direct known answer would be great... if there is not an exact answer, maybe I need to find one... Do some research...write a paper or something.
Thanks for your help -
Kyle

 

[mark]

Hi Kyle,The answer is suberin, a waxy substance produced by the plant http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suberin.
It makes the cork impermeable to gas and liquid and hence it doesn't rot.

 

[jennifer]

Cool! I learn something every day. Cork is wonderful stuff.

Totally unrelated to sals... some environmentalists are worried that the decline in use of natural wine corks (due to increased use of synthetics) may lead to a decline in the cork industry, and replacement of cork trees with less-eco-friendly crops.

 

[eike]

Not completely unrelated though. Cork industry provides some very fine Salamandra and Triturus habitats.