Osage Orange

A small round fruit, similar in appearance to breadfruit, which is a member of the mulberry family. It is the same size as a medium-sized orange and can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. It is not considered to be a fruit suited for human consumption, since it is found to be unpalatable by both humans and animals. Instead, it is considered to be a repellant for insects and is placed around foundations or in food cabinets to keep out cockroaches, spiders, crickets, and other similar pests. The use for insect control is unconfirmed, despite the fact that the fruit contains a chemical (2,3,4,5 tetrahydroxystilbene) that is effective for repelling insects. This fruit is grown on a deciduous tree that may grow over 50 feet in height. The wood of the tree is used for fence posts or most notably, archery bows. The pale green fruit has a wrinkled outer skin that has a citrus aroma. Inside, the dry pulpy flesh contains a milky juice that is sticky and surrounds numerous seeds that some animals find palatable. Other names for this fruit are green brain, hedge apple, hedge ball, horse apple, mock orange, and monkey ball.