The type of linden tree can be identified by its leaves, blossoms and fruits. As with all linden trees, small nut fruits form from the blossom of the small-leaved linden tree, which are spherical in shape and have seeds inside.
Not every fruit of the small-leaved lime contains seeds
The appearance of the fruit
- nut fruit 5-7 mm long,
- contains one or two seeds
- spherical, not ribbed,
- shell initially slightly hairy, later glabrous, thin and easily crushed,
- light green, brown in winter,
- Infructescence connected to a wing leaf.
Not all blossoms become fruit
The small-leaved linden blossoms only between June and July, making it one of the few native deciduous trees whose blossom begins after the foliage has fully developed. The intense scent emitted by the flowers attracts insects that do pollination. Small-leaved limes are floriferous, but the amount of fruit varies from year to year. Some of the fruits do not contain seeds. Cold weather or the advancing age of the tree also contribute to the fact that the proportion of seedless fruits is quite high.
Propagation by seeds
The pronounced ability of the small-leaf linden to erupt roots and stalks contributes significantly to the rejuvenation of its naturally occurring tree population. Despite extensive flowering, generative propagation (through seeds) is rather rare in small-leaved limes. The seeds are spread by the wind, with the rotating wing blade increasing flight distance and decreasing sink rate. The fruit ripens in September. The still green fruits are capable of germination, as are the fruits that remained on the plant in winter. The impermeable layer that surrounds the seed delays germination.
tips
The lindens reproduce strongly vegetatively by stick and root eruption. For this reason and because of its low site requirements, the small-leaved lime is valued by the foresters as a pioneer plant. It grows on almost any soil and can hold its own against other trees with its budding power.