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Name: Ron
Status: other
Age: 40s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 1999-2001
Question:
Hi. I have found a fruit from a tree that was growing in northern california, it is green/yellow in color similar to an orange on the outside but with way more texture looks kind of like a brain. It has many seeds in pods inside, has a sticky milky juice inside. I have heard it is called a spider ball but cannot find anything on the internet to help me find out more info about this fruit. Can you tell me what this is?

Replies:
Perhaps Maclura (osage orange)

http://www.gpnc.org/osage.htm

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/bio99/bio99542.htm

http://www.oplin.lib.oh.us/products/tree/factpages/osageo/osageo.html

Anthony R. Brach Ph.D.

It sounds like it might be an osage orange, native to the Osage region of Oklahoma/Texas, widely planted in the midwestern prairie region by early farmers and still frequently found. I wouldn't be surprised if some were planted in California.

J. Elliott


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