Suninfrance Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Unfortunately I don't have a photo, but I'll try and describe it.The nut (fruit) was planted in May 2009 and the tree is now about 7ft tall with the trunk at the base around 10in in diameter. The leaves are similar to a Gunnera, but the tree is not this plant. The leaves are what I can only decribe as Maple in shape, but they are massive, being around 18in+ across. The stems at the moment are very green and "fresh" looking although the base of the trunk is woody. The nuts form in clusters and have an outer cover which is slightly prickly. The nut itself is slightly sticky to touch.Just can't believe how quickly this thing has grown and am intrigued to know just what it is.Any tree experts out there? Can anyone help?Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Something like these? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ukhostland Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 As Clare suggests, sounds a bit like a Horse Chestnut; why not get a photo for us, so we can help? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suninfrance Posted October 4, 2009 Author Share Posted October 4, 2009 Hi ClairNo, that's not it. I'm waiting for my friend to send me a photo over, and when she does, I'll post it.Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tancrède Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 This sounds to me like Ricinus communis the castor oil plant. If so, do not eat the nuts - they are very poisonous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonraker Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 And don't let children get near it.http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/castorbean.html Mind you, it might be something completely harmless! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suninfrance Posted October 4, 2009 Author Share Posted October 4, 2009 Nope - not a caster oil plant.Think bigger - much bigger. Has grown from nut to tree of 7ft + in 6 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarkkent Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 A triffid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buelligan Posted October 5, 2009 Share Posted October 5, 2009 FWIW Suninfrance, I think it's a castor oil plant too! Did you know that they can grow up to 3m in a year?! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castor_oil_plant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Roy Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 Suninfrance said it was a nut that was planted - the castor oil plant grows from a bean, I started three off this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buelligan Posted October 15, 2009 Share Posted October 15, 2009 Very true Rob Roy, very true... BTW, I have a milch-cow I should like to swap if you have any of those beans left...[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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