Acorns - South Korea

An acorn is the nut of an oak tree. Each acorn contains one seed, sometimes two, enclosed in a cupule and further encased by an outer shell made of a tough fibrous material. Depending on species, acorns can take 6 to 24 months before reaching maturity. Acorns serve as a vital food source for many animals; pigeons, squirrels, mice, pigs, deer, and bears rely heavily on acorns as part of their diet. Human use of acorns has a long history stretching from ancient Greece to modern day Korea.

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When the Korean Empire was proclaimed in 1897, Emperor Gojong strived to modernize the nation through domestic and foreign reforms. Korea was able to disengage itself from the traditional close relationship it had with China, but soon found itself falling under the influence Tsarist Russia. Following the Russo-Japanese War, 1904 to 1905, Korea became a Japanese protectorate. The Japanese held Korea until the end of World War II; the country has since been divided between north and south.

Holm Oak - Malta

Quercus ilex - The holm oak, also known as the evergreen oak, grows to heights of 20 to 27 meters. Older leaves are dropped every 1 to 2 years, but only after new ones have emerged. It is one of three oak trees associated with truffles. The roots of the oak form an ectomycorrhiza relationship with truffles, similar to the symbiotic relationships formed between plants and animals. Holm oaks are known for their longevity; some Maltese trees are estimated to being over 1,000 years old.

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Malta’s strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea has made it a coveted piece of property for several imperial powers. The Phoenicians, Romans, Normans, Sicilians, French, and the British fought for control. The British gained control of Malta through the 1814 Treaty of Paris. Malta was granted independence from Great Britain in September of 1964. The country is a seven island archipelago closer to Africa than Europe. Malta is a member of the European Union, having joined in 2004.

Cork Oak - Portugal

Quercus suber - The cork oak is an evergreen oak native to Southwestern Europe and Northwestern Africa. The bark is used in the manufacturing of cork surfacing and bottle stoppers. The bark from a cork oak can be harvested every 9 to 12 years. The removal does not harm the tree; it is able to replace the bark without any negative effect. Cork is harvested in several countries. Over 25,000 square kilometers of land have been collectively dedicated to the harvesting of cork.

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The unification of Portugal and Spain lasted from 1580 until 1640. Sebastian of Portugal died in the Battle of Alcácer Quibir in 1578 and King Henry of Portugal died in 1580. Portugal was left without an heir to the throne. Philip II of Spain claimed the Portuguese crown and became Philip I of Portugal. Portugal retained a degree of self-rule, but suffered from a series of wars it was forced to fight as Spain’s ally. Discontent led to an uprising and Portugal’s sovereignty was restored in 1640.