| Survey data | |
|---|---|
| Surveyed by: Steve Heath | Surveyed on: 3rd August 2012 |
| Number of trees: 1 | |
| Tree form: Maiden | |
| Dead or alive: Alive | |
| Standing/fallen: Upright | |
| Access: Private - not visible from public access (permission required to view) | |
This tree's story
Staplehurst Horticultural Society, in partnership with Staplehurst Primary School Garden Club, planted a commemorative tree for the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebrations in the school playing field overlooking the A229 on Wednesday 23rd May 2012. The tree is a Wild Service Tree (Sorbus Torminalis). The fruits, sometimes called chequers are edible and taste similar to dates. They were traditionally known as a herbal remedy for colic; the trees Latin name, torminalis means good for colic. Before the introduction of hops, the fruits were used to flavour beer, which may be related to the ancient symbol of a public house being a chequerboard. The flowers are creamy-white in late spring to early summer with russet fruits and spectacular yellow to red leaves in mid to late autumn. A stainless steel plaque will serve as a reminder to future generations of this occasion.
Growing on the tree
- Nothing
Additional comments
Sorbus torminalis (syn. Torminalis clusii, Wild Service Tree), sometimes known as the Chequer(s) Tree or Checker(s) Tree, is a species of Sorbus native to Europe