BS: Query - The Wayfarer tree

Subject: BS: Query - The Wayfarer tree
From: Arnie
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 04:36 PM

Yesterday a friend of mine showed me a new tree she had planted, having been given it as a gift. She said that it was a type of viburnum, commonly known as the Wayfarer Tree. Neither she nor I know why it is called the Wayfarer tree, although someone suggested it was due to it's peculiar odour (sounds like a bit of a red herring!) Having trawled a few sites for information, I'm still none the wiser. I'm really curious about this name now - anyone have any ideas???

Subject: RE: BS: Query - The Wayfarer tree
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 05:28 PM

The name 'Wayfarers' originates from the herbalist Gerald, who in 1597 encountered a hardy tree growing on the chalk of the South Downs between the English Channel and the Thames Valley. He therefore named it the Wayfarer tree or Viburnam Lantana. It's common name was 'hoar withy' – hoar from it's downy white leaves, and withy from the pliancy of it's twigs. This small tree may be readily identified by the leaves, with finely toothed margins, which are clad in a white woolly covering of fine hairs. This downy covering extends over twigs and buds and helps to restrict the loss of moisture. The Wayfarer flourishes on the very dry soils of the chalk. Its twigs are exceptionally tough and flexible, easily bent but very hard to break. Its berries have a sour taste that attract only the Down land birds.

Subject: RE: BS: Query - The Wayfarer tree
From: Bert
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 10:20 PM

Wow,

everything I ever needed (or didn't need) to know I learned on Mudcat.

Subject: RE: BS: Query - The Wayfarer tree
From: Amos
Date: 12 Jul 04 - 10:30 PM

Ah, Big Pink, nicely done.

Thanks!


A

Subject: RE: BS: Query - The Wayfarer tree
From: Arnie
Date: 13 Jul 04 - 04:20 AM

That's great, BigPinkLad - I knew that someone somewhere on Mudcat would come up with an answer. I'll let me friend know, then when anyone asks how her tree got it's name she'll be able to blind them with her arboreal knowledge......

Cheers

Arnie