Growing up, we come across all kinds of crazy stuff, and we are told all kinds of crazy stories to go along with it. One of those crazy childhood stories I heard about is the wacky green balls we see around the sides of the roads. They are about the size of a softball and they are green. I was told they were called monkey balls, hedge apples, and all kinds of nutty names.
Watching: The Truth Behind Those Wacky, Softball-Sized Green Balls
The other day I saw something that got me thinking: Where did those crazy things come from? And does anything eat them? What I found out about this tree is actually fascinating.
The Osage Orange Tree: A Unique Wonder of Nature
In our neck of the woods, they are commonly called “monkey balls,” but in other regions, this peculiar fruit and the trees from which they fall are known as hedge apples. The tree’s official name is Osage orange, scientifically known as Maclura pomifera, a member of the mulberry family named after American geologist William Maclure. This tree usually grows no more than 20 feet high in hedges, but in open areas, it can reach impressive heights, such as the national champion Osage orange tree in Red Hill, Virginia, standing at 54 feet with a crown of 90 feet.
See more : Weed Killer That Won’t Harm Your Furry Friends
The Osage orange fruit has a fruity, citric fragrance, but unfortunately, it is not edible for humans. However, squirrels are said to love them. It is important to note that the green fruit has caused the death of several cows and other livestock that attempt to swallow them whole, as they can get stuck and harm the animals.
Unique Features and Uses of the Osage Orange Tree
Besides the distinctive fruit and orange-yellow wood, Osage orange trees are known for their long, tire-flattening thorns. Male trees produce the pollen, while female trees bear the fruit. Botanists are currently developing a male, thornless variety to make landscaping more friendly and modern.
Even though the fruit is inedible, Osage oranges have many uses. Some people buy them at flea markets for as much as $2 a piece. In Iowa, Osage oranges are even sold in supermarkets. You may wonder why people spend money on these green-wrinkled fruits. Well, many believe that Osage oranges have the power to repel bugs from a house. They place them in cupboards and behind furniture as a natural exterminator. The fruit and wood of the Osage orange tree contain a compound called tetrahydroxystilbene, which acts as an anti-fungicide and may deter insects.
The Osage Orange Tree and Folklore
So, some of the old wives’ tales about monkey balls keeping spiders away might actually be true. There are even claims that they help with ladybugs, although I haven’t personally tried it yet. Just imagine if they also worked against stink bugs? Monkey ball trees would be a hot item, don’t you think?
Although the Osage orange tree is not native to our area, it can be commonly found throughout the Eastern states. Originally, it was discovered in the home of the Native American Osage tribe and the Osage Mountains in the south-central United States. In the warmer climate of its native region, the Osage oranges actually turn orange, resembling their citrus namesake rather than green brains.
The Historical Importance of the Osage Orange Tree
See more : The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Trees for Your Home
One reason why this non-native tree is so abundant in our area is because it served as the original barbed-wire fence. Pioneer farmers planted these thorny hedges, which acted as excellent windbreaks and barriers to keep cattle in or out, depending on the situation. Historian Paul Landacre described an Osage orange hedge as “horse-high, bull-strong, and pig-tight” in his book “A Natural History of Western Pennsylvania.”
During the mid-19th century, Osage orange was widely planted throughout the Midwest. In fact, it had its own “Johnny Appleseed” in the form of John A. Wright and Professor Jonathan B. Turner, who traveled throughout the Midwest, spreading the benefits of Osage orange hedges. However, with the invention of barbed wire in 1874, the popularity of the Osage orange declined. Nowadays, it is rare to find Osage orange trees in nurseries, and even the Burpee Seed Company doesn’t carry them anymore.
Isn’t it fascinating how much we can learn about the natural world around us? The discovery of the truth behind those wacky, softball-sized green balls has certainly opened my eyes to the wonders of the Osage orange tree.
Remember, if you want to find out more about gardening and discover other interesting topics, visit MyGardeninn – your go-to source for all things related to gardening and nurturing your green thumb. Happy gardening!
Source: https://mygardeninn.com
Category: Gardening