Blog - Unusual and exotic trees

Unusual or exotic trees : the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)

Unusual or exotic trees : the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)

by Chris, 14 June, 2017, 3 comments

The Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is widely planted as an ornamental tree in parks and the gardens of stately homes. However, it is native to the mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean. These trees were used by the Phoenicians in the building of their ships, used in the construction of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem and the tree’s resin was used by the Egyptians in the process of mummification. Cedar wood is valued for its durability, grain, colour and fragrance; it is also a source of cedria (cedar resin) and cedrum (cedar essential oil). Read more...

Unusual or exotic trees - The Medlar (Mespilus germanica).

Unusual or exotic trees – The Medlar (Mespilus germanica).

by Lewis, 22 October, 2016, 5 comments

The (common) medlar tree, Mespilus germanica, has its origins in the Balkan Peninsula, the Caucasus, Crimea and Northern Iran. In these areas, it has been cultivated for its fruit for thousands of years. Later, it was introduced to Greece and Italy and was an important fruit through to mediaeval times - when it was 'replaced' by other fruits. According to W J Bean*, it may be found 'wild' in woodland in several counties of south east England; but it is not native / indigenous. Until recently, the common medlar was the only medlar known but another Mespilus species has been identified in North America - Stern's Medlar (Mespilus canescens). The Medlar tree is a member of the Rose family - the Rosaceae, and is related to genera such as Crataegus (Hawthorns) and Amalanchier (Snowy Mespilus). Read more...

Unusual or exotic trees -the maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba.

Unusual or exotic trees -the maidenhair tree, Ginkgo biloba.

by Chris, 18 August, 2016, 4 comments

The maidenhair tree is otherwise known as Ginkgo biloba, or just Gingko is native to China, but is widely cultivated through the world. The name Ginkgo may be derived from a misspelling of the Japanese Gin kyo or silver apricot - referring to the form of its fruit. The biloba part of the name refers the two lobed form of the tree’s leaves. Ginkgo is a dioecious species, that is to say, there are separate male and female trees. The female tree produces quite large seeds within a yellow brown soft fruit-like structure. Though attractive in appearance, it has a a rancid smell. The smell is due to butyric acid in the fleshy part of the fruit; and for this reason it is male trees that are usually cultivated. The male trees produce small cone-like reproductive structures, not dis-similar to those seen on other gymnosperms. Read more...

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