ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Cork oak

Have you ever seen a tree with a really bumpy trunk? That's called a cork oak! Cork oak trees grow in places that have hot summers and cool winters, like in Spain, Portugal, and North Africa.

The bark of the cork oak tree is special because it can be peeled off without hurting the tree. People call this bark "cork," and they use it to make all sorts of things like wine bottle stoppers, coasters, and even floors.

But why is cork so special? Well, cork is really good at keeping things closed up and air-tight. When you put a cork stopper in a wine bottle, it keeps the air out and keeps the wine fresh. And when you put a cork coaster under your cup, it protects your table from getting wet.

Cork is also really soft and bouncy, like a basketball! That's why some people use it to make floors that are soft and quiet to walk on.

So when you see a cork oak tree, remember that it's not just any old tree - it's a tree that makes things that help us keep our food and drinks fresh, protect our tables, and make our floors nice and soft!