The Horse Chestnut

The Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), which is native to the Pindus Mountain Range (Northern Greece, South East Albania and Macedonia) and the Balkans, is a tree which can reach a height of 25 metres. Its scientific name comes from: Aesculus , which means oak in Latin, and hippocastanum, which is derived from Greek and literally means "horse chestnut". According to the legend, the Turks fed their horses the fruit of the Horse Chestnut in order to soothe their cough and relieve their asthma. Its fruit, which is similar to a chestnut, is highly toxic to humans. Within the Monumental Complex of the Alhambra and Generalife the Horse Chestnut is mainly present in the Gómerez Wood where it competes brilliantly with other species and reaches a height of 20 metres. This tree is well-adapted to the Gómerez Wood and in late April and early May stands out due to its abundant and beautiful flowering.