Aesculus hippocastanum L.
Other common names: Hippocastanum, bongay, konker-tree
Habitat and range: This tree is largely cultivated in this country as an ornamental shade tree and occasionally escapes from cultivation.
Description: The horsechestnut is a rather large tree, usually reaching 40 feet or more in height. The large leaves are composed of five to seven leaflets from 4 to 8 inches long, pointed, and broader at the top than at the base. In June it produces handsome flower clusters sometimes a foot in length, consisting of large white flowers spotted with yellow and red. The fruit is round and prickly and contains a large shining brown nut.
Part used: Horsechestnut bark is collected in autumn, and preference is given to the bark from the younger branches.
