Osage oranges, often referred to by another common name, are large, round, greenish-yellow fruit produced by the Osage orange tree ( Maclura pomifera). These fruits are not closely related to citrus fruits, despite their appearance, and are technically multiple fruits, similar to pineapples. The term in question refers to the potential uses and benefits associated with these fruits.
Historically, the primary value of the Osage orange tree was not the fruit itself, but the tree’s durability and flexibility. This made it ideal for planting as hedgerows to contain livestock before the widespread use of barbed wire. These dense, thorny hedges effectively controlled animal movement. While the fruit is not typically consumed by humans, some believe that it possesses insect-repelling properties, leading to its placement in homes and other structures. Further research into the efficacy of these traditional uses continues.
