Seen from a distance, one could almost think that brown bananas were hanging from the robinia. Only on closer inspection does it turn out that these are red-brown pods containing small seeds. For this, however, the fruits must first fall to the ground, as they hang very high in the deciduous tree. Would you like to know more about the fruits of the black locust? Then you are exactly right here.
The fruits of the robinia are very poisonous
General
The black locust bears long, brown legumes that are located high up due to the tall growth. Unlike other deciduous trees, the robinia does not drop its fruit before the onset of winter. Even in the cold season, the pods hang on the bare branches. Botanists therefore speak of a "winter stayer" in the case of the robinia.
appearance of the fruit
You can quickly recognize the fruits of the robinia by their somewhat unusual appearance. It is difficult to deny that these are legumes due to the similarity to pea pods. They have the following characteristics:
- reddish, brown colored
- Pods up to 10 cm long
- flat
- parchment-like, leathery (crumbly in hands)
- often torn open at the side when falling to the ground
The seeds
The pods of the black locust contain around four to twelve seeds. In winter, the pods often tear open, causing the individual seeds to fall to the ground.
Properties of the seeds
- 6-7mm long
- Ripe in September
- Brown
- hard-shelled
- smooth
- small dents between the individual seeds
distribution
Since the seeds of the black locust hang at a great height and are inaccessible to many animals, the wind is the main disperser. However, the fruits are comparatively heavy, so they do not fly far. Often the distance does not even reach 100 meters. Nevertheless, the black locust has developed a strategy to spread successfully:
- the seeds are germinable for a very long time (up to 30 years)
- the robinia is already in its sixth year in bloom
- rapid growth in new locations
Attention poisonous
Both the seeds and the fruit are inedible for humans as well as for animals. The toxicity of the robinia is classified as very high. Consumption causes serious gastrointestinal problems such as colic or cramps.