Research Paper on:
Species Known as Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)

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a number of common names, the most frequently used of these are Osage Orange, Hedge Apple, Horse Apple, and Bois dArc. The Osage Orange was first noted in historical  sources in 1804 (New Harmony Scientists, Educators, Writers and Artists, 2002). It wouldnt be until 1817, however, that the tree would be assigned a Latin name (New Harmony Scientists,  Educators, Writers and Artists, 2002). Originally it was named Oxyton pomifera but later the name was corrected to Toxylon pomifera and then to Maclura pomifera (New Harmony Scientists, Educators,  Writers and Artists, 2002). Maclura pomifera or Osage Orange has both a fascinating history and ecological role. Osage Orange is  a popular ornamental because of its attractive shape, leaf, and fruit. Averaging thirty feet in height, the deciduous species is characterized by a short trunk and rounded crown (Carey,  1994). The branches are characterized by a profucity of 0.5 to 1 inch long thorns (Carey, 1994). Most of the common names of the Osage Orange relate  to the fruit of the tree. The ball composed of the multiple fruits of the species is the size of a softball and has spawned a number of unique  names in addition to those noted above. Each fruit from Osage Orange has many fleshy one-seeded calyses, a characteristic which (as will be seen below) earns it a unique  place in its ecological habitat in regard to energy transfer (Carey, 1994). Other characteristics of the tree are equally fascinating in this respect as well.  Distribution The geographic distribution of Osage Orange has changed considerably over time