Definition

Noun: 1. An Australian tree with spongy wood: A type of prickly coral tree (Erythrina vespertilio) native to Australia, known for its soft, spongy wood. 2. A Chinese deciduous tree with corky bark: A deciduous tree (Phellodendron amurense) native to China and Manchuria, known for its aromatic, fissured, cork-like bark, compound leaves, and yellow autumn foliage.

Examples

• The cork tree from Australia is also known as the bat's wing coral tree due to the shape of its leaves.
• The Amur cork tree is valued in landscaping for its brilliant yellow fall color.
• The bark of the Chinese cork tree has a distinct turpentine-like aroma.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical Context: The term "cork tree" is a common name applied to botanically distinct species from different genera and continents, united by the characteristic of having a soft, cork-like bark or wood.
• Horticultural Use: In gardening, specifying the scientific name (e.g., ) is crucial to avoid confusion between the two very different trees called "cork tree."

Variants and Related Words

• Cork Oak (): A different, commercially important tree from the Mediterranean region whose bark is the primary source of natural cork for wine stoppers and other products. This is not referred to simply as a "cork tree" in standard usage.
• Amur Cork Tree: The full common name for .
• Bat's Wing Coral Tree: An alternative common name for the Australian .

Synonyms

• For : Amur cork tree, Huang Bai (in traditional Chinese medicine).
• For : Bat's wing coral tree, grey corkwood.

Notes on Meaning

The word "cork tree" has two primary, distinct meanings referring to different tree species: 1. The Australian coral tree, notable for its soft wood. 2. The Chinese deciduous tree, notable for its aromatic, cork-textured bark and medicinal uses. Context (geographic or botanical) is essential to determine which species is intended.

Noun

1. prickly Australian coral tree having soft spongy wood
2. deciduous tree of China and Manchuria having a turpentine aroma and handsome compound leaves turning yellow in autumn and deeply fissured corky bark