Fruits of broadleaf trees

You have probably noticed that broadleaf fruits are far more varied than the fruits of conifers. Broadleaf fruits actually vary considerably depending on the species. Many are fleshy, colourful and pleasant tasting, such as apples, pears and plums. But these cultivated fruits represent only a small part of the fruits from broadleaf trees. Now, let's look at some of the fruits on trees growing wild in our forests.

In the fall, the streets are often covered in "helicopters", the winged keys that are the fruits of the maple, a very common Quebec tree. The real name of this fruit is the paired key, which consists of two keys stuck together. The samara or key is a fruit covered by a wing-like membrane. These membranes make it possible for the keys to be dispersed by the wind. Other trees have fruits in the shape of keys. The ash has a long key that is borne in clusters on the branch. Elms bear a somewhat rounded key.

 

The nutlet is a very small nut with wings that help dispersion. The nutlets are often clustered on strobiles, very flexible organs that ressemble caterpillars. They are similar to conifer cones. All birches have fruits in the form of strobiles with nutlet seeds.

Poplars have fruits in the form of capsules. These dry fruits open at the top to release several seeds. Capsules are clustered on a stalk forming a spike called a catkin.

Beeches have fruit in the form of an achene covered in a bristly husk. Achenes are small dry fruits that contain one seed that is not stuck to the shell of the fruit. The oak acorn is also considered to be a type of achene but its shell is very hard. The cup encloses part of the oak acorns, giving them their distinctive look.

Walnuts and hickories have fruits in the form of a nut. You have probably eaten walnuts, or rather the edible part of the nut called the kernal that is inside the shell. Walnuts are a favourite food of squirrels.

Some fruits are in the form of a berry. Berries are fleshy fruits with a number of seeds inside. Most berries are very colourful, which attracts animals. A tomato is a readily accessible fruit that you can examine. The American mountain ash is an example of a tree with fruits in the form of berries.

The drupe or stone fruit is a fruit that ressembles berries but it contains only one one-seeded nut. These succulent fruits are a prime source of food for animals. Included among the species that produce stone fruit are cherry and plum trees, which provide us with delicious cherries and plums.

The next time you go for a walk in the woods, gather some fruits and try to identify the group they belong to. It is, however, not recommended that you eat any, because some fruits are dangerous. Also, it would be preferrable to go with a knowledgeable person who can help you in the search.