Strange fruit

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Vanessa07, Oct 20, 2011.

  1. Vanessa07

    Vanessa07 Member

    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    DC
    Hello,

    I recently encountered a strange fruit I saw on a tree in Portland, OR. When I ate it, it tasted sweet. However, later on I felt ill. I am not sure if the two are related. Can anyone identify this for me?

    Thank you!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

    Messages:
    4,398
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Austin, Tx
    Cornus fruit, not sure if it's C. kousa or capitata, but both are edible.
     
  3. Vanessa07

    Vanessa07 Member

    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    DC
    Thank you!!!
     
  4. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

    Messages:
    11,417
    Likes Received:
    501
    Location:
    Britain zone 8/9
    Not just edible, but delicious.
     
  5. Vanessa07

    Vanessa07 Member

    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    DC
    Yes, it was delicious! I've read online that some dogwood fruits are "mildly toxic," however. Is that the case with this fruit? Is this fruit also known as the "Himalayan Strawberry Tree"?
     
  6. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

    Messages:
    11,417
    Likes Received:
    501
    Location:
    Britain zone 8/9
    Yes, some are, e.g. Cornus sanguinea and Cornus florida are inedible and slightly toxic, but yours is fully safe (the fruit are widely sold in Chinese markets, and very popular there). The ones that are not edible taste revolting (very bitter) so the risks of mistakes are very low.

    Some botanists split Cornus into several genera, and these edible ones (C. kousa, C. capitata) are then placed in the genus Dendrobenthamia. Another species Cornus mas (not in the Dendrobenthamia group) is also edible.
     
  7. Vanessa07

    Vanessa07 Member

    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    DC
    Thank you, Michael!
     

Share This Page