Arbutus Cork Pines Cork The main production in the Estate is, as usual in this region, the cork, as the cork-tree (Quercus suber) exists throughout the whole Estate. The cork-tree is in its natural state in over 563,6 ha and appears blended with pine-trees in other areas. The extraction of cork from the tree is not bad for it because it will naturally grow a new layer of cork (suber) with the same thickness over a period of 9 to 10 years. The tree will then have its cork extracted again. There is cork extraction every year because the Estate is divided in nine parks – in each of which the cork is extracted every nine years sequentially. The production harvested is mainly exported according to its quality. Portugal is the single greatest world producer of cork and the Estate is one of its representatives.