HISTORY OF PANNONIAN PLANTS, 7

A 4

on which the leaves cling. These leaves are oblong and always grow in pairs in an equal position. They are arranged opposite each other and clasp the branches in an alternating pattern. The young branches are green, while the mature ones are covered in a gray bark. Under this bark lies another succulent, green layer surrounding the wood, much like in the Elder A shrub of the genus Sambucus. or the broad-leaved Maple original: "Acere latifolio".. The wood of this tree is very similar to those species, as far as I can determine from the single specimen I cultivate. I have not yet seen its flower or its fresh fruit. However, a specimen brought from Constantinople in the year 1581 under this name was equal in size to the common chestnut. It did not end in a point like the common chestnut, but was flatter and otherwise orbicular in shape. It had a certain bump protruding on the upper part which gradually narrows and extends to the lower part, embracing the sprout that originates there. It is covered with a leathery shell like the common chestnut, which is also a chestnut-brown color on the upper part. At the lowest part, where it attaches to its prickly hull original: "echinata calyci"; the spiky outer casing of the chestnut., it is whitish. It has a similar mark impressed upon it, almost like the one seen on the seed of the creeping or foreign bladder-herb original: "vesicariae repentis"; likely referring to the Heartseed or Balloon Vine, which has a prominent white scar on the seed., but it is much larger and not as bright white. This shell is unique and does not hide another skin or downy layer within itself as our local chestnuts do. The flesh is firm and solid. It is white like the common varieties, but the taste is not as pleasant. It is quite bitter, especially if it is older and dry, which is how I tasted it.

I BELIEVE this tree was unknown to the ancients Refers to classical Greek and Roman authorities like Dioscorides, Theophrastus, and Pliny.. I do not remember reading a history of any of the plants they described that matches the characteristics of this tree.

Horse Chestnut. To the horse chestnut.

The Turks call it "At ceestanefi" or "Ad castanefi" Transliterated from the Turkish "At kestanesi"., which means "Horse Chestnut." They give it this name because they find that eating the fruit provides great relief to horses suffering from shortness of breath or coughing.