A Most Economical Tree

A Most Economical Tree. . , Easily split, cut, and shaped, oak wood has been one of the world's most important building materials for thousands of years. Some oaks are better for this purpose than others, the heartwood of white oak species has a unique cellular structure that allows the tree's tube-like, water-conducting cells (vessels) to effectively block water flow, making the wood water- and pest-resistant. Because of this valuable trait, white oak wood was preferred material for shipbuilding and barrel making for centuries. Despite advances in technology, barrels made from white oak are still the gold standard for aging wine and spirits, thanks to the now-beloved flavor oak wood imparts., Having the Gall , From Leonardo da Vinci's journal entries to the Declaration of Independence, oak galls were the main ingredient in European inks for more than 1,4000 years. Oak galls are tumor-like growths of plant tissue on oak leaves, twigs, and branches, which are produced by the tree's unique interactions with insects. Wasps inject chemicals into the oak, which stimulate the growth of a puffy ball of plant tissue, a gall. The insect uses the gall to safely house their larvae. Galls are rich in tannins, which when combined with iron, produce a lasting ink., Delicious and Nutritious , From the Indigenous peoples of California to the ancient Greeks, acorns have historically provided a valuable food source for people around the world, and continue to do so for many today. Beneath the acorn's cap and sturdy outer shell, the soft interior contains a dense concentration of nutritious carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Indigenous North Americans grind acorns into flour for use in pancakes and bread, while in Korea, acorns are commonly used to make noodles and jellies called dotorimuk. In Spain licor de bellota, liquor made from acorns, is popular in the regions where the famous Iberico de Bellota ham is produced from pigs that feed only on acorns., [Captions:] , (left) Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, many parts of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris were constructed of oak, including the roof. Engraving by Alfred-Alexandre Delauney, (right) American artist Winslow Homer depicted the shaping of white oak into flat boards used to build a ship., Oak galls grow on white oak leaves., (top) Korean acorn jelly, a traditional dish , (bottom) Iberian pigs forage for acorns, This illustration of bironia (Bryonia sp.) in a 1551 Italian manuscript was first outlined in oak ink and filled in using gouache paint. Collection of the LuEsther T. Mertz Library