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Castanea sativa
Castanea sativa is a species of the flowering plant family Fagaceae, the tree and its edible seeds are referred to by several common names such Sweet Chestnut or Marron. Originally native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, it is now widely dispersed throughout Europe and parts of Asia, such as the lower Himalayas and other temperate parts of the Indian Subcontinent. The trees are hardy, long lived and well known, especially for its chestnuts which are used as an ingredient in cooking.
The tree requires a mild climate and adequate moisture for good growth and a good nut harvest. Its year-growth (but not the rest of the tree) is sensitive to late spring and early autumn frosts, and is intolerant of lime. Under forest conditions it will tolerate moderate shade well.
Found this one while trekking. From a distance they look like soft pom poms growing on trees, but are spiky to touch.
Spotted on Jun 22, 2010
Submitted on Oct 1, 2011
2 Comments
Thank you, Alice! They were interesting!
I found this info later -
During British colonial rule in the mid-1700s to 1947, the Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) was widely introduced in the temperate parts of the Indian Subcontinent, mainly in the lower-to-middle Himalayas. They are widely found in British-founded hill stations in Northern India, and to a lesser extent in Bhutan and Nepal. They are mainly used as an ornamental tree and are found in almost all British-founded botanical gardens and official governmental compounds (such as larger official residences) in temperate parts of the Indian Subcontinent.
Very Nice! Brought chestnuts back from Europe.