Qualitative anatomical characteristics of the virgin cork in Quercus variabilis grown in Korea

To provide information on the identification and quality evaluation of Q. variabilis virgin cork from Korea, qualitative anatomical characteristics were observed by optical scanning electron microscopy compared with those suber reproduction Portugal. showed a narrower growth ring than suber. A dark-brown zone sclereids was found only in cork. The lenticular channel is larger that distinct boundary an abrupt transition earlycork to latecork few rows cells. indistinct gradual one two In earlycork, mild corrugation, while displayed significant corrugation collapsed distorted surrounded thick-walled cells filled compact filling tissue. had opening loose tissue Prismatic crystals, sclereid cells, fiber-sclereids variabilis. trabeculae both samples.