The great English Conker (Horse Chestnut) about to break from it's shell. Although this nut has been used for centuries in the English sport of Conkers, it's not a native tree. Introduced from Southeast Europe in the seventeeth century, it is believed to have been given the name Horse Chestnut to differentiate it from the Sweet Chestnut. Horse, because the empty shell sometimes looks like a horse shoe. The Conker is very hard and inedible.
Picture taken 19th Sept. 2004

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