Osage orange, Bow-wood, Hedge apple, Bodark, Bois d'arc
Maclura pomifera

Family: Moraceae

What it is like

A small tree which loses its leaves. The crown is round. It can grow 10-15 m high. The plant has a thick white sap. The bark is orange-brown and cracked. The leaves are small and alternate. They are oval and 7-12 cm long by 5 cm across. They narrow into a long tip. The twigs are orange brown. They can become a thorn at each leaf base. The flowers are wind pollinated. The male and female flowers are on separate trees. They are small and yellow in clusters 1 cm long. The fruit are 10-14 cm across. They resemble a green orange made up of small fruit fused together.

There is only one Maclura species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to C. & S. United States. It will grows under a variety of difficult conditions. It is intolerant of shade. It can withstand bitter cold and drought. It will grow in very alkaline soils. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens. National Arboretum Canberra.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Europe, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Mediterranean, Middle East, North America (country/location of origin), Pakistan, Romania, Slovenia, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The dried fruit pulp contains a fatty oil which is edible after purification. CAUTION: It could only be used with great care and correct processing.

Edible parts

Fruit - oil, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The seed need to be planted fresh. It can reproduce by root sprouts and root cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Maclura aurantiaca Rafin.; Ioxylon pomiferum Raf.; Toxylon pomiferum Raf.;