The alisier de Fontainebleau. A rather unassuming name for a tree with such a curious history. Don’t let the simple name fool you. This tree, found right here, is something special. The alisier de Fontainebleau, also known as the Service Tree of Fontainebleau, has been a resident of this region since at least the 17th century. Although its name ties it to Fontainebleau, its story begins much earlier and stretches across Western Europe. You see, the alisier de Fontainebleau is a bit of a botanical mystery.
The alisier de Fontainebleau is believed to be a hybrid of two other tree species: the Common Whitebeam and the Wild Service Tree. What makes it unique is that it’s a fixed hybrid, meaning it reproduces through seeds and its offspring retain the same characteristics. This stability within the tree world is quite remarkable. This tree, often reaching heights of 10 to 20 meters, boasts broad leaves that are green above and covered in greyish-white hairs beneath. In spring, it blooms with clusters of small white flowers, which later give way to brownish-red fruits in autumn. These fruits, although not commonly known, are edible and were even sold in markets in Fontainebleau until the mid-20th century!
Imagine the bustling market scene, filled with vendors hawking their goods. Among them were those selling the fruit of the alisier de Fontainebleau, a taste of the local natural bounty. Sadly, this tradition has faded, but the alisier de Fontainebleau remains, a silent testament to the ever-changing relationship between nature and human tradition. So next time you see a simple tree, remember the alisier de Fontainebleau. It reminds us that even within the seemingly ordinary, there can be extraordinary stories waiting to be discovered.