|
Opis: The original range of the Osage Orange tree was in a narrow band in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Maclura pomifera was also known as Hedge Apple, Bois d'arc and Monkey Brain. It was spread beyond its range by Native American Indians who valued its wood for the bows it produced and early settlers who planted it as a natural fence for livestock. The unique bark, thorns, and growth characteristics are described as is the fruit. While the fruit has a citrus odor its is also exudes a sticky latex. Strangely no animals or even humans are known to eat this fruit defeating its biological person. It is theorized that the large showy fruit may have evolved symbiotically with large ice age mammals including, Mammoths, Mastodons, and Giant Sloths.
|