Imagine my surprise...for a relatively common plant around these parts that I've seen individuals of thousands of times (at least), to NEVER have seen one in this condition.
In fact, there was a rather staunch specimen of this at home where I grew up; used to try to kill it because it was difficult for a kid to mow around/under.
Here's what has dropped already.
Close up of the beast...with scale.
Danger, Will Robinson!
Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper Mulberry).
Guess none of the local folk realise those fruit are edible!
Resin
Colorful, yes; appetizing, no.
Reminds me for all the world of the infamous gelatinous cedar-apple rust growths on Juniperus virginiana.
I'd have to have more than a couple of your pints before I'd put one of those in my mouth, on purpose.
Maybe in a pie. Wrapped up with a bow, for EQ...
John, we can't grow that up here, but I do have a smaller species (B. kazinoki) that is doing OK in a protected spot.
Guy S.
I thought is was Broussonetia, but had never seen it in fruit.
I see it here, from time to time; a few clumps around town, but have never noticed any fruits - always wondered what they looked like. Don't know if all I've been seeing were males, or I just wasn't looking at the right time. I'll check out the clumps I'm aware of in the next day or so; I'd like to sample a couple of fruits if for no other reason than for curiosity's sake.
