Tanbark is thebark of certain species of trees, traditionally used fortanninghides intoleather.[1]
The words "tannin", "tanning", "tan," and "tawny" are derived from theMedieval Latintannare, "to convert into leather."
Bark mills are horse- or oxen-driven or water-powerededge mills[2] and were used in earlier times to shred the tanbark to derive tannins for the leather industry. A "barker" was a person who stripped bark from trees to supply bark mills.
In Europe,oak is a common source of tanbark.Quercitannic acid is the chief constituent found in oak barks.[3] The bark is taken from young branches and twigs in oakcoppices and can be up to 4 mm thick; it is grayish-brown on the outside and brownish-red on the inner surface.[4]
In some areas of the United States, such as central Pennsylvania and northernCalifornia[citation needed], "mulch" is often called tanbark, even by manufacturers and distributors. In these areas, the word "mulch" may refer topeat moss or to very fine tanbark. In California,Notholithocarpus densiflorus (commonly known as thetanoak ortanbark-oak) was used.[citation needed]In America,condensed tannins are also present in the bark of blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica).[5] InNew York, on the slopes ofMount Tremper,hemlock bark was a major source of tanbark during the 19th century.[citation needed]
Around theMediterranean Sea, sumach (Rhus coriaria) leaves and bark are used.[citation needed]
In Africa and Australia,acacia (called "wattle") bark is used by tanners. One ton of wattle ormimosa bark produces about 150 lbs of puretannin.[6] Used tanbark is employed in horticulture and spread on flower beds and in glass houses to keep down weeds and protect plant roots.[citation needed]
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| Engineered wood | |
| Fuelwood | |
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