Spotted by Volunteer Camilla. First logged 13/05/20
Aesculus Hippocastanum, common name – Horse Chestnut, Conker Tree
Family Hippocastanaceae
Status Commonly Widespread
Details Large tree with 5-7 pointed palmate leaves spreading form a central stem. Produces spiked cases with horse chestnuts (conkers) inside that are shiny and brown and very hard.
Ten Acres Habitation
Found very sporadically all along the River Rea nearest to Cartland Road, in the woodland section. Largely saplings.
Habitat Potential Value
This tree produces phenominal amounts of flowers making it an excellent pollen and nectar source for insects and bees. Leaves are good food for the Triangle Moth caterpillar and the Leaf Miner Moth.
The leaf minor moth offpsinrg in turn create a good food source for blue tits.
Deer and wild boar will eat the conkers (but we won’t be expecting any of these in Ten Acres!)
