Portugal | 2 Euro

Cork oak. It is a typical species of the western Mediterranean region and emblematic of Portugal where it has been legally protected since the Middle Ages (law of 1209) and of which it became the national tree in December 2011. It is indigenous to the Alentejo. Portugal is the world’s leading producer of cork, with more than 50% of the world’s supply. 70% of the cork produced is used to make stoppers for wine bottles.