Lime trees are best known for their magnificent, shady habit, their light green, heart-shaped leaves and their fragrant flowers. But what about the seeds? In addition to their reproductive function, they offer something more!
The linden seeds are used for propagation - or as a tasty snack
The seed of the linden tree
The linden tree is generally a very prolific tree. On the one hand, this can be seen in the various methods that it has up its sleeve - in addition to the generative variant via pollination and subsequent seed formation, the lime tree can also reproduce vegetatively via root suckers or bud shoots. However, even with the generative method alone, she ensures that her species is preserved through quite numerous seed formation.
There are two ovules in each of the five chambers of the ovary within the inflorescence - each mature fruit therefore contains two seeds. The large number of flowers results in a large number of seeds, which are often fertilized by the popularity of the flowers with bees and other pollinators.
Let's note again:
- Linden can reproduce vegetatively (through cell division) and generatively (through seeds).
- therefore very productive reproduction
- numerous seed formation
Grow linden from seed
However, growing a linden tree from a seed yourself is not entirely trivial. Above all, the project requires a lot of perseverance. Because it takes decades for a seed to grow into a young plant and eventually into a fully grown tree. And especially in the early years, the sapling naturally needs care and protection.
Of course you can collect seeds from the spherical nuts of a linden tree yourself and try your luck. In Seederei you can also buy seed packs for little money. Here the success rate will be higher due to the professional background.
In nature, a seed carried on the bract in autumn germinates the following spring. Fruits that are harvested while they are still green can also germinate immediately.
Linden fruit to eat
What many do not know is that not only the blossoms of the linden tree are used for culinary purposes - for example for tea or for flavoring desserts - but also their fruits. The seed pulp within the nut contains a lot of oil and is therefore extremely nutritious. However, only the fruits of the small-leaved lime are really edible, those of the small-leaved lime have a too hard consistency. The seeds can be chewed as is or cooked for even better palatability and digestibility.