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About Trey Tarrant
Expertise
I can answer questions about plant identification, plant care, plant pest management, landscaping, and general gardening questions. Please post a picture of the plant you wish to identify, if possible. If you say something like, "I've got this plant and it's green with long leaves and white flowers" and do not include a picture, chances are I won't be able to help you. I may not be able to help with plants that are not grown in the Southeast/ Eastern US, but you're welcome to try me.

Experience
Landscaping for 10 years. Horticulture Instructor at Lawson State Community College for 7 years.

Education/Credentials
M.S. in Horticulture from Auburn University.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Homework Help > Trees > Identifying Unknown Plants > spiky seed pod in Kentucky

Identifying Unknown Plants - spiky seed pod in Kentucky


Expert: Trey Tarrant - 9/17/2008

Question
I have looked over the internet for this for hours. The
seed pod that i've found has green spikes that are about
half an inch long covering its entire surface. It's a
almost a perfect sphere about 3 inches in diameter. The
seed pod almost looks like a cactus... Check the image for
the seed inside.

Answer
I'm pretty sure that what you have found is a Chinese Chestnut, Castanea mollisma, but I can't be completely sure from the fuzzy picture and without seeing the tree.  If you can find the tree it came from, it will probably be covered with those pods.  If they are chestnuts, they are edible raw, or microwaved for a minute or two, which separates them from the husk.  They spoil quickly after falling, though.  Also, sever the seed coat before you microwave it or it may explode.  However, I can't recommend trying that unless you're sure about what they are.

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