On a recent trip to Paris, France I came across a must unlikely tree while wandering around the gardens that surround the Eiffel Tower. I think that I must be one of the very few people who would take less notice of the steel tower and more notice of the trees that grow at its colossal feet. At any rate, one of the interesting trees that I found was an
Osage Orange (species: Maclura pomifera). The tree partially blocking the view of the tower in the image above is one of the three trunks of this tree. The picture below is from another angle.
This Osage Orange is located roughly 100 yards from the south side of the Eiffel Tower along a highly transited pathway. I was not really sure what species of tree it was until I spotted a few of the "oranges" in the upper branches and then found one on the ground that had fallen off (below).
The leaves were beginning to change color but most were still green.
Judging from the trunks this tree has been growing in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower for a good number of years. I wonder how many people in all those years have stopped to take notice of it?
On a recent trip to Paris, France I came across a must unlikely tree while wandering around the gardens that surround the Eiffel Tower. I think that I must be one of the very few people who would take less notice of the steel tower and more notice of the trees that grow at its colossal feet. At any rate, one of the interesting trees that I found was an Osage Orange (species: Maclura pomifera). The tree partially blocking the view of the tower in the image above is one of the three trunks of this tree. The picture below is from another angle.
This Osage Orange is located roughly 100 yards from the south side of the Eiffel Tower along a highly transited pathway. I was not really sure what species of tree it was until I spotted a few of the "oranges" in the upper branches and then found one on the ground that had fallen off (below).
The leaves were beginning to change color but most were still green.
Judging from the trunks this tree has been growing in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower for a good number of years. I wonder how many people in all those years have stopped to take notice of it?
That is hilarious. The humble Osage Orange situated at the feet of giants...the modest Hedge Apple in the presence of Kings. I'm not sure why, but I really enjoy Osage Orange...it seems under appreciated. Many people may not have noticed it, but I am sure that thousands have enjoyed its shade over the years.
ReplyDeleteIn Missouri those fruits we decorate with in Autumn are called Hedge Apples. But I never knew the name of the tree. Thanks for your input!
ReplyDeleteYikes...I just bought a house in Ithaca, NY and several of these large "bombs" landed in my yard ...just missing my dogs..They are heavy and could actually cause some serious damage.
ReplyDeleteNow, I have solved the mystery (and I feel fortunate to share this with one of my favorite places in Paris)....
What to do with this tree?
I can't imagine if some person is sitting under it and gets knocked out...I think they must weigh 3-5 lbs or more.
Indians used the wood for their bows--extra flexible due to it's heavy fruit.
ReplyDelete