OAK
genus Quercus
There are over 600 species of Oak under the genus Quercuc which
include Quercus Alba (American White Oak), Quercus Rubra
(American Red Oak), Quercus robur (English or Pendunculate
Oak) and Quercus petraea (Durmast Oak). Oaks, like teak have
broad leaves and are resistant to water. They too were used in
shipbuilding right up until the material changed to steel and fibre
glass. Some Oak trees are known to be 800 years old, though there
are several Oaks that are at least 300 years old.
There is evidence that Oak was used for construction as way back
as 7,000 B.C. and has over the centuries been a fundamental
material in building and architecture in Europe.
Oak was also the principal wood used in furniture in Europe and
later America.
Oak bark has been traditionally used in tanning.
Oak is a hard and heavy wood which is preferred till date in the
making of decking on and off ships. The heartwood of Oak is
resistant to decay but there are some insects like Ambrosia beetles
that can attack it.
American White Oak : Quercus Alba